Pyongyang’s Continued Military Expansion Amidst International Sanctions: A Look into North Korea’s Latest Rockets and Arms Deals

Recently, North Korea announced the launch of a multiple rocket launcher under the supervision of Kim Jong Un. The official KCNA agency stated that the flight characteristics, impact, and concentration indices of the 240 mm shell were evaluated satisfactorily during the test. Kim Jong Un emphasized the need to carry out the ammunition production plan qualitatively this year.

The rocket launcher, equipped with new technology, is expected to bring a strategic change in strengthening the artillery power of North Korea. According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un had overseen a first simulated “nuclear trigger” as a response to US-South Korean exercises. Since the start of the year, North Korea has carried out several missile launches, including testing a new medium-to-long-range solid-fueled hypersonic missile and a very large warhead designed for a strategic cruise missile.

Pyongyang has been subject to UN sanctions since 2006, which have been reinforced multiple times and prohibit the development of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons. Despite these sanctions, Pyongyang has continued its military programs and declared its status as a nuclear power “irreversible” in 2022. North Korea has also intensified its hostility towards South Korea, designating them as a main enemy.

In March, Russia vetoed a draft resolution in the Security Council extending the mandate of a committee monitoring the sanctions against North Korea. North Korea has strengthened its ties with Russia, exchanging weapons for military technologies. The country continues to defy international sanctions while bolstering its military capabilities and alliances.