Military Space News
NUKEWARS
North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversees nuclear counterattack missile test
North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversees nuclear counterattack missile test
by Thomas Maresca
Washington DC (UPI) May 9, 2025

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a test of short-range ballistic missiles and long-range artillery in a demonstration of Pyongyang's nuclear counterstrike capabilities, state-run media said Friday.

Korean Central News Agency reported that the drill, which was conducted Thursday, involved a 600-millimeter multilayer rocket system and Hwasongpho-11-Ka tactical ballistic missiles.

Kim stressed the need to "steadily enhance the pivotal role of the nuclear force in all aspects of the strategy to deter war and the strategy to fight war," the report said.

"[Kim] said that the DPRK should continue to direct efforts to steadily improving the long-range precision striking capability and efficiency of weapons systems, proceeding from the security environment of our state and the realistic requirements of modern warfare," KCNA said.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.

The KCNA report came a day after South Korea's military said it detected the launch of multiple short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area on the peninsula's east coast.

The South's Joint Chiefs of Staff speculated that the launch may have been a test of weapons systems meant for export to Russia.

Seoul and Washington say that North Korea has supplied missiles, artillery and soldiers to Russia for its war against Ukraine, while receiving much-needed financial support and advanced military technology in return.

Earlier this week, North Korean state media reported on a visit by Kim to a munitions factory, where he called for workers to boost their output of artillery shells.

Prior to Thursday's launch, the drill inspected the operational reliability of the North's Haekbangashoe "nuclear trigger" system. First tested in April 2024, the nuclear weapons management system is used to link a launch order to its actual execution.

"The goal of the drill was achieved and the reliability of the command and mobilization system capable of quickly reacting to any nuclear crisis was verified," KCNA reported.

The KCNA article accused the United States and its allies of staging nuclear operation drills on the Korean Peninsula and making a nuclear attack on North Korea a "fait accompli."

"This reckless act of aggravating the situation requires the armed forces of the DPRK to prepare for a rapid reaction capability and a thoroughgoing war posture," KCNA said.

Pyongyang frequently criticizes U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises as rehearsals for an invasion and has denounced the deployment of American strategic assets, such as aircraft carrier strike groups and B-1B strategic bombers, to the Korean Peninsula.

On Friday, South Korea's Unification Ministry condemned the launch, which was the North's first ballistic missile test since March 10 and its fourth of the year.

The launch was "a violation of Security Council resolutions and a clear act of provocation that seriously threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," ministry spokeswoman Kim In-ae said at a press briefing.

Related Links
Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com
Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com
All about missiles at SpaceWar.com
Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
NUKEWARS
NIKE laser realigns mission to support US nuclear deterrence goals
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 06, 2025
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has repositioned its NIKE laser-target facility to directly support the Department of Defense's nuclear strategy, leveraging its advanced capabilities to strengthen national defense priorities. This marks a major shift away from the facility's longstanding support for Department of Energy missions, particularly those under the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The NIKE facility now focuses on delivering critical science and technology innovat ... read more

NUKEWARS
Israel warns Yemenis to avoid ports after intercepting missile

Russia, China slam Trump's plan for 'Iron Dome' missile shield

Patriot defense system headed for Ukraine as ceasefire hopes dim

US Space Force strengthens missile warning network with acceptance of next generation SBIRS S2E2 system

NUKEWARS
Israel military tells Yemenis to evacuate Huthi-run ports

North Korea fires flurry of short-range ballistic missiles

Russian missile strike on Ukraine city kills three

Huthis say US bombed Yemen after strike on Israel's main airport

NUKEWARS
Pakistan and India accuse each other of waves of drone attacks

Pakistan shoots down 25 Indian drones near military installations

Drones drag Sudan war into dangerous new territory

Lyten Unveils U.S.-Made Lithium-Sulfur Battery Platform for Advanced Drone Propulsion

NUKEWARS
China launches advanced Tianlian II-05 relay satellite to boost space communications

Sidus Space awarded US patent allowance for modular satellite system

HRL and Boeing advance quantum satellite communications milestone

Armed Forces Network to reduce radio programs next month

NUKEWARS
Lithuania's parliament votes to withdraw from landmines treaty

Denmark to add 5,000 military positions

Nordics, Lithuania plan joint purchase of combat vehicles

Germany leads allies in $24B military aid package for Ukraine

NUKEWARS
Rights groups take UK govt to court over Israel arms sales

U.S. to begin immediately removing 1,000 transgender service members from military

Five European defence ministers to meet in Rome on Friday

NATO hatches deal on higher spending to keep Trump happy

NUKEWARS
Macron warns of new sanctions, Europe talks nukes; Lula commits to push Putin

Putin, Xi, Steven Seagal and missiles: Russia's Red Square parade

Cambodia, China begin largest-ever military drills

China congratulates Pope Leo on election, hopes for 'dialogue'

NUKEWARS
Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.