N. Korea unveils test-firing of upgraded 240mm multiple rocket launcher shells with range nearly doubled
North Korea has released the results of a test-firing of an upgraded 240mm guided multiple rocket launcher shell with a range nearly double that of the existing version. North Korea's state media, the Korean Central News Agency, reported on the 24th that the defense science research sector conducted the test-firing on the 22nd. The news agency explained that the shell is equipped with an automatic guidance system that independently locates targets and locks onto them precisely, and that it can hit targets up to 100 km when flying in a ballistic trajectory, and up to 115 km when gliding with its wings deployed. It also claimed that the test verified the shell's accuracy.
North Korea has been focusing on modernizing its front-line firepower under North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's directive to "fortify the southern border," and in May, Kim personally observed a test launch of a 240mm guided rocket shell with an extended range.
The latest test was led by Ko Byong-hyeon, chairman of the Second Economic Committee, and observed by Pak Jong-chon, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party, Kim Jong-sik, first vice department director of the Party Central Committee, Jang Chang-ha, director general of the Missile General Bureau, and Yu Chang-seon, chief of the Artillery Bureau of the Korean People's Army General Staff. Pak Jong-chon emphasized that "the most lethal and destructive attack capability must be concentrated on the southern border." He also said, "We must make the enemy aware, within the shortest possible time, that all of our forces' long-range strike capabilities have been upgraded."
South Korea's military detected North Korea firing several multiple rockets from the vicinity of South Pyongan Province toward the Yellow Sea on the 22nd, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff said it is analyzing detailed specifications of the projectiles. The test-firing was not reported in the Rodong Sinmun or Central Broadcasting, which are accessible to North Korean residents.
