N.K. leader calls for 'most concentrated and destructive' artillery capability

SEOUL, September 19 - The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, emphasized the need for his nation's artillery forces to possess the most concentrated and powerful capabilities during his recent tour of major munitions factories, according to state-run media. Kim, accompanied by high-ranking officials including Pak Jong-chon, the vice chairman of the Workers' Party Central Military Commission, inspected factories from Wednesday to Friday, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

In a statement quoted by KCNA, Kim stated, "Our artillery should have the most concentrated and destructive, massive and versatile offensive capability and responsibly perform the two missions of deterring and fighting war." He further emphasized that the munitions industry should play a more significant role in executing the strategic policy of the ruling Workers' Party to construct the most formidable army, as cited by the KCNA.

During his visit, Kim outlined several policy objectives, which included improving the artificial intelligence of offensive and defensive weapons, upgrading the armor and automation of artillery weapons, and enhancing production conditions. Kim is believed to have visited factories manufacturing 600-millimeter and 240-mm multiple rocket launchers, as well as drones, based on information from Shin Jong-woo, secretary-general of the Seoul-based Korea Defense and Security Forum.