North Korea Conducts Simulated ‘Nuclear Trigger’ Under Supervision of Kim Jong Un; Intensifies Hostility Toward South Korea and Defies International Sanctions

North Korea has recently conducted a simulated “nuclear trigger” under the supervision of Kim Jong Un, according to KCNA, the state news agency. The agency announced that a multiple rocket launcher equipped with new technology had been launched and its flight characteristics, impact, and concentration indices were evaluated satisfactorily during the test. Kim Jong Un emphasized the importance of carrying out the ammunition production plan qualitatively this year.

The launcher is expected to bring a strategic change in strengthening North Korea’s artillery power. KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un had overseen the simulated “nuclear trigger” as a response to US-South Korean exercises. Since the start of the year, North Korea has conducted several missile launches, including testing a new medium-to-long-range solid-fueled hypersonic missile and a very large warhead designed for a strategic cruise missile.

Pyongyang has been subject to UN sanctions since 2006, which have been reinforced multiple times and prohibit the development of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons. Despite these sanctions, Pyongyang has continued its military programs and declared its status as a nuclear power “irreversible” in 2022. North Korea has also intensified its hostility towards South Korea, designating them as a main enemy.

In March, Russia vetoed a draft resolution in the Security Council extending the mandate of a committee monitoring the sanctions against North Korea. North Korea has strengthened its ties with Russia, exchanging weapons for military technologies. The country continues to defy international sanctions while bolstering its military capabilities and alliances.