North Korea unveils 50 new 600mm rocket launchers, Kim touts 'world's most advantageous weapon'

North Korea showcased 50 newly manufactured 600mm-caliber multiple rocket launchers at a Pyongyang ceremony Tuesday, presenting the weapons as "the most precious gifts" to the upcoming Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, state media reported Thursday. Leader Kim Jong Un personally attended the event at the April 25 House of Culture, where workers from a leading munitions enterprise displayed the large-caliber systems in formation before the party gathering.

Kim's Strategic Vision

Kim described the 600mm system as the "world's most advantageous weapon for concentrated super-powerful attack," emphasizing that its development reflects the party's "invariable will to modernize the capabilities for national defence." In remarks at the ceremony, he stressed that "the main guarantee for ensuring the national security environment lies in building up the most powerful military muscle and applying the offensive mode of response." The leader awarded a top state honor to the munitions enterprise and personally inspected the launchers, even driving one of the vehicles.

Military Modernization Amid Tensions

The unveiling underscores Pyongyang's continued focus on strengthening its strategic arsenal amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and ongoing international sanctions over its weapons programs. The 600mm rocket launchers represent a significant component of North Korea's expanding military deterrent capability. The display ahead of the party congress signals the regime's commitment to advancing its defense industrial base and maintaining an assertive security posture in the face of perceived external threats.