Kim Jong Un beams at test of new rocket system amid fears he’s preparing to supply Putin with more weapons for Ukraine war

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was all smiles as he oversaw testing of a new multiple rocket launch system, amid fears the country is preparing to arm Russia with weapons for its continuing war against Ukraine.

The new rocket launch system is the latest move by North Korea to bolster its weapons lineup targeting South Korean population centers and will be deployed to the country’s armed forces later this year, according to state media .

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said Friday’s test confirmed the “advantage and destructive power” of the 240-millimeter multiple rocket launcher and its guided shells.

The agency said the system, which the North has already tested twice this year, will be deployed in combat units from 2024 to 2026 to replace older weapons.

In recent months, North Korea has maintained an accelerated pace of weapons testing as it builds up its military capabilities, while diplomacy with the United States and South Korea remains stalled.

While North Korea’s artillery systems are designed to target the South Korean capital area, South Korean military officials also suspect the tests are aimed at examining weapons the country plans to export to Russia.

Experts say this latest show of military force is part of a goal to pressure the United States into accepting the North as a nuclear power and negotiating economic and security concessions from a position of strength.

North Korea has focused on artillery systems in recent weeks.

Its testing activities included salvo launches of multiple 600mm rocket launchers in April, which state media described as a simulated nuclear counterattack against enemy targets.

Earlier this year, the country conducted various cruise missile tests and flight tested what it described as an intermediate-range solid-fuel missile with hypersonic nuclear warhead capabilities.

Experts say it is designed to hit remote U.S. targets in the Pacific, including the military center of Guam.

After Friday’s test, Kim gave instructions to maximize production of 240mm multiple rocket launchers and their guided shells, which he said would bring a “significant change” to his forces’ combat capabilities, he said. indicated the North Korean press agency.

While North Korea’s artillery systems are designed to target the South Korean capital, home to half of that country’s 51 million people, South Korean military officials also suspect the tests are aimed at examining weapons that the country plans to export to Russia.

U.S. and South Korean officials have accused the North of supplying artillery shells, missiles and other military equipment to Russia to help it expand its fighting in Ukraine.

Kim has tried in recent months to raise the profile of his ties with Moscow and Beijing as he attempts to break his diplomatic isolation and insert himself into a united front against Washington.

In recent months, North Korea has maintained an accelerated pace of weapons testing as it builds up its military capabilities, while diplomacy with the United States and South Korea remains stalled.