N. Korean leader guides firing drill using super-large multiple rocket launchers targeting S. Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has supervised an artillery firing drill involving 600 mm super-large multiple rocket launchers, state media reported Friday, a day after South Korea said the North fired about 10 short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea. The drill, which took place Thursday, was aimed at showing that the country is ready to exercise its right to self-defense at any time and stage preemptive strikes in case the enemy tries to use military means against the North, according to the Korean Central News Agency. The South Korean military said Thursday it detected the North's launch of around 10 short-range ballistic missiles from Pyongyang's Sunan area and flew about 350 kilometers before falling into the East Sea. It was unusual for Pyongyang to fire a salvo of some 10 missiles at one time. The North's super-large multiple rocket launch system is classified as a short-range missile that could put the entire South Korean territory within range. Pyongyang has claimed a tactical nuclear wa rhead could be mounted on such a weapon. The provocation came a day after North Korea flew hundreds of balloons carrying trash and manure into the South earlier this week in a "tit-for-tat" action against Seoul activists' campaign of sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. North Korea fired a rocket carrying a military spy satellite Monday, but its launch attempt ended in failure as the rocket exploded shortly after liftoff. The North successfully placed a spy satellite into orbit in November 2023 after two botched attempts in May and August. Source: Yonhap News Agency