North Korea’s state media announced on June 26 that the country had conducted tests of several weapons systems, while South Korea’s defense ministry revealed plans to expand its military drone program. The developments were reported following North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s observation of the tests on June 25, during which he called for a heightened offensive posture for the nation’s military.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the weapons tested included a ballistic missile warhead designed for a “special mission,” an upgraded multiple-rocket launcher, and a self-propelled gun-howitzer. The state news agency reported that the warhead was developed to inflict damage on key infrastructure targets such as airfields and ports.
KCNA quoted Kim as directing the military to adopt a “deadly and destructive offensive posture” and to ensure the country’s adversaries “feel constant uneasiness and fear.” He also emphasized the goal of achieving “ultra precision” and long-range strike capabilities.
The report follows a separate announcement from earlier in the week, also via state media, where Kim stated that North Korea’s navy would be equipped with nuclear weapons and larger warships to prepare for what he termed “multifaceted and efficient” operations.
In response, South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense announced on Friday its intention to significantly increase its drone capacity. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated that the military plans to train 500,000 personnel as “drone warriors,” who would be able to operate unmanned aerial vehicles like “personal firearms.”
Ahn cited an “urgent need to respond to the evolving environment” and claimed Pyongyang was receiving technological assistance from Russia.
Separately, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced a government initiative to develop five major defense firms with a combined value of $650 million by 2030. President Lee also referenced a recent conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that Trump told him “the time had come to pay attention to the North Korea issue.”
The United States maintains approximately 28,500 military personnel in South Korea. Diplomatic talks between Washington and Pyongyang regarding North Korea’s nuclear program have been stalled since 2019.
