North Korea Conducts Drills for 'Nuclear Counterattack'
Kim Jong-un has personally overseen a military exercise aimed at simulating a nuclear counterattack, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency. The drill, which took place on Thursday, included the launch of short-range ballistic missiles...
TroibNews 
Kim Jong-un has personally overseen a military exercise aimed at simulating a nuclear counterattack, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency. The drill, which took place on Thursday, included the launch of short-range ballistic missiles and long-range artillery to evaluate the readiness of North Korea’s nuclear forces.
During the exercise, the military utilized 600mm multiple-launch rocket systems and the Hwasong-11 tactical ballistic missile, both of which are said to possess nuclear capabilities. Reports indicate that the missiles traveled approximately 800 kilometers before falling into the sea, showcasing the operational capacity of North Korea’s missile systems.
Additionally, the drill featured an inspection of the “nuclear trigger” system, which is intended to oversee and manage the nation’s deterrent arsenal, ensuring its rapid deployment if required. “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 stated.
Kim Jong-un stressed the necessity of maintaining the combat readiness of the country’s nuclear forces, emphasizing the importance of enhancing long-range precision strike capabilities and overall weapon efficiency.
Last month, Kim called for accelerated efforts to equip the navy with nuclear weapons while overseeing a weapons systems test aboard the DPRK’s Choe Hyon multi-mission destroyer. Following the demonstration, he noted that the warship’s firepower still depended on conventional weaponry and “cannot be called a reliable means of maritime defense.”
The United States and South Korea have been conducting regular joint military drills in the region, actions that North Korea has denounced as provocative. In retaliation, Pyongyang has ramped up its missile testing, asserting its right to self-defense and deterrence.
In a related development, Russia has committed to assist in defending North Korea if it faces an attack, as outlined in a mutual defense agreement signed last year. This treaty mandates that both countries provide immediate military support to one another when necessary.
The agreement was formalized by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim in June 2024, following the involvement of North Korean troops in Moscow's military operation to counter a Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk Region. Putin later expressed appreciation for the contributions of Pyongyang’s troops, noting their “heroism, a high level of specialized training, and bravery.”
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
During the exercise, the military utilized 600mm multiple-launch rocket systems and the Hwasong-11 tactical ballistic missile, both of which are said to possess nuclear capabilities. Reports indicate that the missiles traveled approximately 800 kilometers before falling into the sea, showcasing the operational capacity of North Korea’s missile systems.
Additionally, the drill featured an inspection of the “nuclear trigger” system, which is intended to oversee and manage the nation’s deterrent arsenal, ensuring its rapid deployment if required. “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 stated.
Kim Jong-un stressed the necessity of maintaining the combat readiness of the country’s nuclear forces, emphasizing the importance of enhancing long-range precision strike capabilities and overall weapon efficiency.
Last month, Kim called for accelerated efforts to equip the navy with nuclear weapons while overseeing a weapons systems test aboard the DPRK’s Choe Hyon multi-mission destroyer. Following the demonstration, he noted that the warship’s firepower still depended on conventional weaponry and “cannot be called a reliable means of maritime defense.”
The United States and South Korea have been conducting regular joint military drills in the region, actions that North Korea has denounced as provocative. In retaliation, Pyongyang has ramped up its missile testing, asserting its right to self-defense and deterrence.
In a related development, Russia has committed to assist in defending North Korea if it faces an attack, as outlined in a mutual defense agreement signed last year. This treaty mandates that both countries provide immediate military support to one another when necessary.
The agreement was formalized by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim in June 2024, following the involvement of North Korean troops in Moscow's military operation to counter a Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk Region. Putin later expressed appreciation for the contributions of Pyongyang’s troops, noting their “heroism, a high level of specialized training, and bravery.”
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
