North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a test firing of a "renewed large-caliber rocket launcher weapon system" on January 27, as reported by Korean Central Television on January 28. Kim Jong Sik, First Deputy Department Director of the Party Central Committee, and Jang Chang Ha, Director of the General Missile Bureau, accompanied him. [Screen capture from Korean Central Television]

Ahead of the 9th Party Congress, North Korea held a delivery ceremony for 600mm large-caliber rocket launchers, capable of striking the entire South Korean territory, to showcase its defense capabilities.

The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 19th that a ceremony for the delivery of 600mm large-caliber rocket launchers was held in Pyongyang the previous day.

The agency reported that the working class of key munitions factories produced 50 large-caliber rocket launchers in two months and presented them as a gift to the 9th Party Congress. It also showed footage of the 50 large-caliber rocket launchers displayed at the April 25 House of Culture, the venue for the 9th Party Congress.

Kim Jong Un inspected the rocket launchers on-site and stated in a speech that they are "the world's most powerful group-attack, super-powerful offensive weapon system that perfectly combines the precision and power of tactical ballistic missiles with the rapid-fire capability of rocket launchers," expressing his satisfaction, calling them "truly commendable armament equipment."

He further claimed that the weapon is "optimized for special attacks and strategic mission accomplishment, and incorporates artificial intelligence technology and a composite guidance system," and that it has "completely revolutionized the role and concept of artillery, which is recognized in modern warfare."

'Strategic mission accomplishment' is interpreted as meaning it is capable of nuclear attack.

He asserted, "If this weapon is used, the military infrastructure and command systems of the warring enemy will collapse in an instant," and claimed that "when the use of this weapon becomes a reality, they will not receive any 'divine protection'."

Kim stated, "It is an irrefutable law and principle that the strongest offensive power becomes the most reliable deterrent," and vowed, "We will continue to demonstrate defense technology achievements that will make our geopolitical adversaries extremely uneasy," suggesting that further tests and unveilings of various weapon systems are expected.

He announced, "Based on these achievements, our Party's 9th Congress will declare the next stage of plans and goals for self-defense capability construction," indicating that a new roadmap for developing weapon systems to strengthen defense capabilities will be unveiled at the imminent 9th Party Congress.

He added, "The work of continuously modernizing our military power, capable of powerfully suppressing any threat and challenge from external forces, will be further accelerated."

Based on their range of nearly 400 km and guidance capabilities, South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities classify the 600mm rocket launchers as short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs).

North Korea previously conducted a test firing on January 27, observed by Kim Jong Un, to verify the capabilities of its improved rocket launcher weapon system.

The large-scale public display of the 600mm rocket launchers mounted on launchers on this day suggests that these weapon systems have effectively reached the stage of operational deployment.