N. Korea to Deploy Multiple Rocket Launcher System

North Korea announced on Saturday the deployment of a new 240-millimeter-caliber multiple rocket launcher in its army, effective from the current year, expressing expectations that the new weapons system will bolster the country's artillery combat capabilities.

The Korean Central News Agency stated, "The upgraded multiple rocket launcher, with high mobility and fire concentration capabilities, has an automatic firing control system and will be deployed in units of the Korean People's Army as alternative equipment from 2024 to 2026," according to the Korean news agency Yonhap.

North Korea indicated that eight shells fired from the multiple rocket launcher system hit "specific" targets, noting that the test demonstrated "its destructive power."

In February, North Korea announced the development of newly controlled 240-millimeter rocket launchers, a step that could enhance its armament capabilities through improvements in range and accuracy. Last month, Pyongyang conducted a test launch of new artillery shells.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw, on Friday, a live-fire test of a new multiple rocket launcher system, the third of its kind during the current year, as the country prepares to introduce the weapon into its armed forces.

Kim stated, "A significant change will soon be made to increase the artillery combat capability of our army," calling for an increase in the production of shells and artillery weapons to "the highest level."