North Korea conducts major weapons tests; South training ‘drone warriors’

Kim Jong Un demands a ‘deadly and destructive offensive posture’ as North Korea upgrades arsenal to reach all of South.North Korea has conducted major weapons tests as part of its push to strengthen its military capabilities and reinforce its southern border amid ongoing tensions with South Korea.Seoul said on Friday that it is building an army of “drone warriors” after the North’s leader Kim Jong Un observed the tests the previous day and called for the country to adopt a ”deadly and destructive offensive posture,” state news agency KCNA reported.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Forever wars: Israel’s cycle of conflict shows no finish linelist 2 of 3‘Respect for all’: Egypt coach offers support for Iranian team at World Cuplist 3 of 3Apple, Microsoft hike prices over surging chip costsend of listKim demanded that the military ensure his country’s “enemies feel constant uneasiness and fear” – an important aspect of war deterrent – and dare not attack.The weapons tested included a “special mission” ballistic missile warhead, an upgraded rocket launcher with an extended firing range and a self-propelled gun-howitzer, the AP news agency reported.Improved capabilitiesKCNA said the warhead aimed to inflict “fatal damage on major targets including airfields, ports and power facilities of the enemy”.Kim said Pyongyang was seeking “ultra precision” and long-range capabilities in its weapons programmes. He said the results showed the progress North Korea had made in its firing capabilities along its southern border.Analysts suggested that the upgrades are aimed at offering North Korea the ability to strike across the whole of the South.Kim Jong Un told a commissioning ceremony in Nampho that warships such as the Choe Hyon prove the nuclear armament of North Korea’s navy is progressing as planned, according to state media, on June 23, 2026 [Handout/KCNA via AFP]The United States has several military bases in South Korea, which host about 28,500 personnel.