North Korea launches new rocket launcher to deter the US.

SKĐS - North Korea has released the first images of its new rocket artillery and ballistic missile systems, indicating that Pyongyang is accelerating the modernization of its frontline firepower.

Observers believe this system could significantly increase pressure on US and allied forces on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea's new artillery system features twin ballistic missiles and missile launchers. (Source: MW)

According to North Korean state media, the new system is designed with two flexible fire modules. It can carry a KN-24 tactical ballistic missile with a range of approximately 300 km, or nine 240 mm rockets with a range of approximately 67 km. This design allows the launcher to quickly change the type of firepower depending on the combat mission.

Recent tests are believed to have assessed the operational capabilities of "special mission warheads" for ballistic missiles, the reliability of rocket artillery systems, and the accuracy of a new tactical cruise missile that uses artificial intelligence for guidance.

Following the test, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared that the weapons and automated launch systems had been successfully upgraded to suit "modern warfare conditions," thereby enhancing their practical application on the battlefield.

Over the years, North Korea has built one of the world's largest stockpiles of rocket artillery and tactical ballistic missiles. The appearance of the new system shows that Pyongyang is continuing to invest heavily in modernizing its long-range firepower.

The KN-24 missile is considered the lowest-cost, shortest-range tactical ballistic missile currently being mass-produced by North Korea. Analysts often compare it to the US ATACMS system. A 2020 report by the US Congressional Research Service assessed that the KN-24 possesses a guidance system and air maneuverability sufficient to carry out precision strikes.

The scale of production of this type of missile is also noteworthy. In August 2024, North Korea reportedly delivered up to 1,000 missiles to frontline units near the inter-Korean demilitarized zone. This demonstrates Pyongyang's enormous peacetime production capacity, making the KN-24 one of the most widely deployed ballistic missile systems in the world.

By September 2025, North Korea will inaugurate another new missile production facility to expand its manufacturing capacity.

Besides the KN-24, North Korea's arsenal of multiple rocket launchers has long been known for its large scale and powerful caliber. Most notably, the 600 mm KN-25 system is believed to have a range exceeding 350 km, placing it among the world's longest-range multiple rocket launchers.

In March 2026, North Korea confirmed that upgraded versions of the KN-25 had integrated artificial intelligence technology and a combined guidance system. At that time, Kim Jong-un declared that the system was capable of carrying out strategic-level attacks.

North Korea's development of a launcher capable of combining both rocket artillery and ballistic missiles on a single platform also indicates that Pyongyang is pursuing a design trend similar to that of the United States and South Korea. Previously, systems such as ATACMS, M270, and Chunmoo were also developed with the aim of integrating multiple types of firepower on a single platform, in order to increase flexibility and response speed on the battlefield.

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/trieu-tien-tung-phao-phan-luc-moi-nham-ran-de-my-169260528080908498.htm