North Korea has announced plans to deploy new long-range artillery systems capable of striking South Korea's capital region, Seoul, within this year. The announcement, made on Friday via the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), follows leader Kim Jong Un's inspection of a munitions factory producing 155-mm self-propelled gun-howitzers. According to KCNA, the striking range of these howitzers exceeds 60 kilometres, which would allow them to reach Seoul, located approximately 40 to 50 kilometres from the border.
Kim Jong Un stated that the extension of striking range and improvement of striking capability would bring a great change and advantage to land operations. In addition to the howitzers, Kim indicated that various operational and tactical missile systems and multiple rocket launcher systems are scheduled for deployment along the border. This move underscores the ongoing military threat posed by North Korea's conventional artillery, which already includes many guns positioned near the border.
Separately, North Korea is set to commission its first destroyer, the Choe Hyon, in mid-June. Kim inspected the vessel on Thursday, reviewing its manoeuvrability off the west coast. KCNA reported that all tests for operational commissioning progressed smoothly. The destroyer, unveiled last year, is the largest and most advanced warship in North Korea's navy. Kim's teenage daughter accompanied him on the destroyer in her latest public appearance, following reports from South Korea's spy service that she may be considered his heir.
The timing of these announcements coincides with South Korea's revelation that the North's newly revised constitution has dropped all references to Korean unification. This aligns with Kim Jong Un's declaration in January 2024 that inter-Korean relations are those of two hostile states, breaking with predecessor's goals of peaceful unification. Kim has labelled South Korea as the North's permanent enemy, a significant setback for Seoul's liberal government, which has sought engagement. Diplomacy between North Korea, the US, and South Korea has been stalled since the collapse of nuclear talks in 2019.
