According to the state-run [North] Korean Central News Agency, its leader Kim Jong-un visited a munitions factory earlier in the week where he "learned about the production of new-type self-propelled gun-howitzers for three battalions to be deployed at the long-range artillery unit in the southern borderline within this year."
Assessing the "new-type 155mm self-propelled gun-howitzer" being produced at the factory, Kim expressed great satisfaction at the "successes in manufacturing new-generation artillery weapons with very high mobility and striking power," which means it has enough range to hit targets in South Korea, posing a direct threat to Seoul.
Kim's comments suggest the howitzer has enough range to hit targets in the South, posing a direct threat to Seoul.
"The striking range of this large-caliber rifled gun for the frontline units to newly equip themselves, along with various operational and tactical missile systems and powerful multiple rocket launcher systems, is over 60 km and such rapid extension of striking range and remarkable improvement of striking capability will provide a great change and advantage in the land operations of our army," he added.
During Wednesday's visit, Kim also inspected a "new-type main battle tank and various launchers," urging officials and munitions industry workers to upgrade them to an "ultra-modern level in the shortest period."
Shin Jong-woo, secretary-general of the Korea Defense and Security Forum, said North Korea appears to "show off the modernization of its conventional forces" by disclosing a mass production system for what appears to be a North Korean version of the South's K9 self-propelled howitzer, as part of a broader push to "strengthen its naval forces" after unveiling the 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer Choe Hyun in April last year.
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