North Korea Statement on Drill Involving Missiles and Drones

North Korea announced that a joint live-fire exercise involving missiles, artillery units and drones demonstrated a massive destructive power.

Details of the Exercise

North Korea announced that it conducted a joint live-fire exercise involving missiles, artillery units and drones, which demonstrated a massive destructive power.

The official Korean Central News Agency reported that Saturday's drill was organized to familiarize personnel with the operational procedures of the integrated firepower control system.

South Korea's Findings

The South Korean military had previously announced that it detected short-range ballistic missile launches from North Korea's eastern coastal region of Wonsan on Saturday morning.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that several missiles launched on Saturday each flew approximately 250 kilometers toward the country's eastern waters.

Military Evaluations

Marshal Pak Jong Chon, who observed the exercise, stated that the operation would raise the level of expertise to organizationally and structurally eliminate enemy armed forces.

North Korean sources reported that the deployed weapon systems demonstrated the immense destructive power of concentrated fire.

Diplomatic Background

This firing drill marked North Korea's first public ballistic missile launch in about three weeks.

Experts believe that thanks to its developing nuclear arsenal and deepening ties with Russia and China, Kim Jong Un has gained a greater leverage at the diplomatic table.