Without specifying when this new shot took place, the official North Korean news agency claims that this test was a success.
Le Monde with AFP
Northern Korea proceeded to the test of a new armament system that will increase the effectiveness of its tactical nuclear weapons, said Sunday, April 17 the state media. The North Korean leader Kim Jong-One observed the test of the new guided tactical weapon that will increase the firepower of the long-range artillery and will improve “the effectiveness of the functioning of the Nuclear Nuclear Weapons of the DPRK (People’s Republic Democratic Korea) and the diversification of their firepower missions, “said the KCNA press agency without specifying the exact date of this trial shot. KCNA added that the test was a success.
Kim gave the military research team “important instructions on the continuation of the strengthening of the defense capacities and the nuclear combat forces”, added again the KCNA agency. Pictures published by the Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed a smiling kim – surrounded by officials in uniform – applauding as he watched what was described as the test shot of the weapon.
Friday, North Korea celebrated the anniversary of the founding leader of North Korea, Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il-Sung, with a huge public procession, fireworks and synchronized dances – But no military parade as had predicted many observers. The analysts and the South Korean and American officials had also felt that a nuclear test was possible during this important anniversary. The birthday celebrations took place three weeks after North Korea organized its largest intercontinental ballistic missile test ever realized – the first time that the most powerful Kim weapon has been drawn at full range since 2017 .
Towards a seventh test?
This test had marked the end of a self-imposed moratorium on long-range and nuclear tests. Long-range and nuclear tests were suspended after Kim met with the US President of the time, Donald Trump. According to officials and analysts, North Korea could perform its seventh nuclear test in the coming weeks.
Satellite imaging showed signs of a new activity in a tunnel of the Ponggye-Ri nuclear test site, which, according to North Korea, was demolished in 2018 before the first Trump-Kim summit . North Korea has tested nuclear weapons six times since 2006 and boasted the success of its last and most powerful in 2017 – a hydrogen bomb of an estimated power at 250 kilotonnes.
With a new nuclear test, experts believe that Pyongyang will seek to miniaturize nuclear warheads to mount on its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM). South Korean officials said that Pyongyang could still organize a military parade or testing on April 25, the anniversary of the Korean People’s Army Foundation.
This anniversary coincides with the joint military exercises between Seoul and Washington, who must start Monday. South Korea and the United States regularly organize military exercises, but Pyongyang has regularly protested against these exercises by denouncing preparations for a war.