NIS "Responding to North Korea's New Weapons... Strengthening Missile Defense System"

North Korea Deploys 250 New Mobile Launch Vehicles
National Intelligence Service: "Responding by Strengthening KAMD Capabilities"

Intelligence authorities announced that they are strengthening the capabilities of the "Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD)" system to counter North Korea's new weapon systems, including tactical ballistic missiles.

On the 28th, during a full meeting of the Intelligence Committee, the National Intelligence Service responded to questions about North Korea's recent unveiling of 250 Transporter Erector Launchers (TELs) by stating that "KAMD capabilities are generally being expanded," according to Lee Seong-gwon of the People Power Party and Park Seon-won of the Democratic Party, who serve as the ruling and opposition party secretaries of the Intelligence Committee.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the Korean Central News Agency, North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un participated in the handover ceremony of new tactical ballistic missile launchers held in Pyongyang on the night of the 4th. At that time, North Korea unveiled 250 new TELs.

Chairman Kim stated that the 250 new missile launchers, "produced with our own strength and technology," were delivered to frontline units along the border, adding, "With overwhelming offensive and striking superiority, we can seize operational initiative, and the practical aspects of special physical force tactical nuclear weapons have also been enhanced in effectiveness."

Photos released by North Korea suggest that the newly delivered weapon systems are launchers for the short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) "Hwasong-11-Ra." It is reported that 250 such launchers have been deployed in combat near the Military Demarcation Line.

The National Intelligence Service predicted in its report to the Intelligence Committee the previous day that if these launchers are deployed at the front lines, they could affect areas as far as the Chungcheong region in South Korea, while expressing doubts about North Korea's missile supply capabilities.

Meanwhile, Chairman Kim Jong-un also observed the inspection test firing of a 240mm multiple rocket launcher (MRL) weapon system produced by the defense industry enterprise the day before. This "renewed" 240mm MRL, equipped with a new guidance system, was showcased, and there is speculation about the possibility of supplying these weapons to the Russian front.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.