North Korea unveils nuclear-capable rocket launchers

DW News · Feb 19, 2026 · Collected from RSS

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a ceremony to unveil huge, multiple rocket launchers capable of firing nuclear warheads, state media reported on Thursday. At the ceremony, Kim said the new 600mm rocket launcher system was unique and "appropriate for a special attack, that is, for accomplishing a stategic mission," North Korean news agency KCNA reported, using a common North Korean euphemism for nuclear weapons. Kim insisted that the launchers were meant to be a "deterrent" against enemies, without naming its main adversaries, South Korea and the United States. The Korean neighbors are technically still at war, though an armistice has been in place since 1953. Seoul is less than 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the border that divides North and South Korea. "When this weapon is used actually, no force would be able to expect God's protection," KCNA reported Kim saying. "It is really a wonderful and attractive weapon." Kim Jong Un said the new weapons system was meant to deter North Korea's enemiesImage: KCNA/REUTERS Pyongyang has long been building its nuclear arsenal and testing its missile technology, which analysts say are aimed at improving its precision strike capabilities. North Korea set for Ninth Congress The unveiling of the weapon system comes ahead of the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party. It is being gifted to the congress, KCNA said. The landmark meeting will focus on Kim's economic and military goals for the next five years and may start as soon as Thursday or Friday. Edited by: Sean Sinico