North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test firing of a new multiple rocket launcher system, called 240-millimeter, on May 11, 2024. The test confirmed the advantage and destructive power of the new weapon system. According to reports from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim issued instructions to maximize the production of the multiple rocket launchers and their guided shells, which will be deployed to combat units from 2024 to 2026. The North Korean artillery systems are designed to target South Korea's capital area, Seoul, which is home to half of its population.
North Korea has been increasing its military capabilities in recent months while diplomacy with the United States and South Korea remains stalled. Experts believe that Kim's goal is to eventually pressure the United States into accepting North Korea as a nuclear power and negotiating economic and security concessions from a position of strength.
North Korea has focused on artillery systems in recent weeks, conducting salvo launches of 600-mm multiple rocket launchers in April. The country also tested what it described as a solid-fuel intermediate range missile with hypersonic warhead capabilities earlier this year. Experts say the missile is designed to reach remote U.S. targets in the Pacific, including Guam.
South Korean military officials suspect that North Korea's recent tests are aimed at examining weapons it plans to export to Russia, as there have been accusations of North Korea providing artillery shells, missiles, and other military equipment to Russia to help extend its warfighting in Ukraine.
Kim has attempted to boost the visibility of his ties with Moscow and Beijing in recent months as he tries to break out of diplomatic isolation and insert himself into a united front against Washington.
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