North Korea conducts simulated nuclear counterstrike with new command-and-control system
North Korea conducts a test of a new command-and-control system for nuclear weapons by launching projectiles with simulated warheads from rocket launcher units in a simulated nuclear counterstrike.
North Korea conducted a test of a new nuclear weapons command-and-control system on Monday. The test involved firing projectiles from multiple rocket launcher units, carrying simulated nuclear warheads.
The drill was directed by Leader Kim Jong Un and simulated a nuclear counterattack. This was reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The test was said to be a response to the annual joint air force exercises carried out by the United States and South Korea, which North Korea described as "extremely provocative and aggressive."
North Korea recently conducted a military exercise involving the use of the "Haekbangashoe" nuclear trigger command-and-control system. This system allows for the switching of rocket launchers from conventional to nuclear weapons, demonstrating the country's capability in this area. Analysts have noted that this exercise marks the first time the system has been utilized, indicating a focus on command and control within the country's military operations.
Jeffrey Lewis, an analyst at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, highlighted the significance of this exercise. He emphasized the importance of command and control in ensuring that orders are effectively transmitted from top leadership, such as Kim Jong Un, down to the launch units. This practical aspect of military operations is crucial for the functioning of North Korea's military strategy.
Joseph Dempsey, a research associate specializing in defense and military analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, mentioned that the recent nuclear counterstrike drill was aimed at showcasing a broader range of credibility and capability in nuclear forces proficiency, rather than just focusing on missile delivery systems.
This pool image distributed by Sputnik agency shows North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un during his meeting with Russian President at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Amur region on September 13, 2023, ahead of planned talks that could lead to a weapons deal with Russian President.
This photo, taken by the Sputnik agency, captures North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un meeting with the Russian President at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Amur region on September 13, 2023. They are discussing a potential weapons deal.
The picture was distributed by Vladimir Smirnov/Pool/AFP/Getty Images/File.
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It was difficult for him to tell if Monday's exercise revealed anything new. General Dempsey mentioned that assessing the maturity of the command-and-control system is still a challenging task.
Since conducting its first nuclear test more than ten years ago, North Korea has been improving its weapons technology, aiming to make a warhead small enough to be carried on a long-range missile.
In 2022, Kim intensified these efforts by committing to rapidly develop nuclear weapons, passing a new law that officially declared North Korea as a nuclear weapons state, and stating that they would not engage in negotiations regarding denuclearization.
North Korea's true capabilities have not been independently verified, but a 2017 report from the US Defense Intelligence Agency suggested that the regime had likely achieved its main objective of miniaturization.
According to experts, North Korea may have already produced a small supply of nuclear warheads. However, it is still uncertain if they have successfully made them compact and lightweight enough to be mounted on a missile.
Images supplied by North Korea Monday showed four rockets being launched, with KCNA saying they hit targets on an island 352 kilometers (218 miles) away.
North Korea has unveiled a new song in honor of its leader Kim Jong Un, praising him as both "a great leader and a friendly parent," according to a TV report Wednesday from state run Korean Central Television.
North Korea recently released a new song dedicated to its leader Kim Jong Un, describing him as a "great leader and a caring parent." This was reported on state-run Korean Central Television.
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North Korea has recently revealed a new song dedicated to their leader, Kim Jong Un. In related news, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korea had launched several short-range missiles into the waters off the east coast of the peninsula on Monday.
Kim mentioned that the exercise was beneficial in getting North Korea's nuclear forces ready for their crucial role in deterring and taking control in a potential war, as reported by KCNA.
In recent months, the Kim regime has conducted tests on various weapons, such as long-range artillery capable of reaching Seoul, a hypersonic glide vehicle that could bypass air defenses, and an intercontinental ballistic missile with the potential to reach the US mainland.
Seoul and Washington have been conducting their own military exercises regularly. The most recent one is the Korea Flying Training 2024, a two-week exercise that started on April 12. This exercise involves approximately 100 warplanes from both countries, including F-35 stealth fighters.
The KCNA report stated that the US-South Korea exercise has stirred up intense war excitement and cannot be labeled as defense or deterrence.
According to a US Air Force news release, the exercise is a crucial training opportunity to safeguard the interests of the US, allies, and partners at any given time.
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