On May 18, 2024, North Korea announced the test-firing of a tactical ballistic missile equipped with a new autonomous navigation system, describing it as part of efforts to enhance its military capabilities. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supervised the test, although specific details such as the number of missiles fired were not disclosed.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the accuracy and reliability of the new autonomous navigation system were confirmed through the test firing. The South Korean military also detected the launch, identifying it as several short-range ballistic missiles fired from Wonsan, a city on North Korea’s eastern coast. The missiles reportedly traveled approximately 300 kilometers before landing in the East Sea.
This recent test indicates an advancement in North Korea’s missile technology. Previously, the range of North Korea’s tactical guided weapons was believed to be between 100 to 110 kilometers. Shin Jong-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Defense and Security Forum, noted that the 300-kilometer flight distance suggests that the missiles could target significant military facilities in South Korea. The test is part of North Korea’s regular activities to advance its weapons systems, according to the North Korean Missile General Directorate. Kim Jong-un acknowledged the strategic value of the new guidance system and recognized the defense science and technology teams for their contributions.