North Korean leader Kim oversees weapons tests, KCNA reports

North Korea Leader Kim Jung Un inspects the new ‘naval destroyer’ launching sea-to-surface cruise missiles.

SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw tests of key weapons on Thursday as part of the country’s goal for the modernization of its missile program, state media KCNA reported on Friday.

The tests involved an upgraded version of a 240-mm, 24-tube multiple rocket launcher system, tactical ballistic missiles, and a 155-mm self-propelled howitzer, KCNA said.

The upgraded rocket launcher is equipped with an autonomous precision guidance system with its firing range extended to 90 kilometres (56 miles), the media report said.

Kim, expressing satisfaction with the test results, said Pyongyang was pursuing automation, long-range capability and “ultra-precision” in its weapons programs, according to KCNA.

The goal is for its defence along its southern border, Kim said, effectively referring to the one with South Korea.

In May, North Korea said it had tested a mix of tactical ballistic missiles, artillery rockets and AI-guided precision cruise missiles designed for modern warfare.

Pyongyang has been steadily upgrading its tactical and conventional arsenal, vowing to deploy it near the border with South Korea.

(Reporting by Heejin Kim; Editing by Rod Nickel)