North Korea Tests New Modular Missile Launcher and Tactical Cruise Missiles Under Kim Watch

KCNA reported Wednesday that Kim Jong Un oversaw a test the previous day of two new systems: a lightweight multipurpose transporter erector launcher and a multiple tactical cruise missile weapon system, both fired from the Jongju area of North Phyongan Province 12. South Korea's military independently detected multiple close-range ballistic missiles and artillery rockets toward the Yellow Sea, with one projectile traveling approximately 80 kilometers 13. The KCNA report said the test evaluated a special-mission ballistic warhead, a 240mm autonomous-navigation artillery rocket, and AI-guided cruise missile accuracy, with Kim expressing "great satisfaction" and calling the outcome "a clear signal" of growing combat capability 12. KCNA further reported that the tactical cruise missile, which uses terrain-mapping and AI guidance to strike targets within 100 kilometers, is designated for deployment at long-range artillery units near the southern border 14.