North Korea confirms missile tests, Kim inspects 'important' munitions factory
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Pyongyang has carried out six missile tests in January, and Kim Jong Un has inspected an important munitions factory to modernize weapons in the North.
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North Korea confirms missile tests as Kim inspects 'important' munitions factory
North Korea tested two different weapons systems this week, according to state media, while highlighting Kim Jong Un's inspection of an "important" munitions factory.
Pyongyang carried out six missile tests in January, including the launch of hypersonic missiles, during one of the most intense single-month barrages on record while rejecting US offers of talks.
According to the official Korean Central News Agency, the Tuesday test involved long-range cruise missiles that hit a "target island 1,800 kilometers away."
Thursday's launch of "tactical guided missiles", meanwhile, was to test "the explosive power of the conventional warhead," KCNA said.
The barrage of tests comes after Kim reaffirmed his commitment to military modernization in a key party speech in December.
In response, Washington imposed new sanctions, infuriating Pyongyang, which hinted last week that it might abandon a years-long, self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and long-range tests.
Munitions factory
On Friday, KCNA published photos of Kim inspecting a munitions factory that manufactures "a major weapon system."
Kim said "the factory holds a very important position and duty in modernizing the country's armed forces," KCNA added.
The reports did not say whether Kim attended this week's weapons tests, but a separate news item mentioned his inspection of a vegetable farm near the site of Thursday's missile launch.
Signs of progress
According to Hong Min of the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, the January launches are all part of North Korea's five-year plan to "upgrade its strategic arsenal."
"The cruise missiles fired Tuesday are an extension of the same type of missiles fired [in tests] last September, with improvements in distance and speed."
The series of tests is also a response to South Korea's efforts to modernize its own weapons systems, with successful launches of supersonic and new submarine-launched ballistic missiles, he added.
"The North is showing it's also developing missiles to counter what the South has on hand," Hong said.
The sanctions-breaking tests come at a critical juncture in the region, with China hosting the Winter Olympics next month and South Korea preparing for a presidential election in March.
