Top Headlines

Feeds

Kim Shows 50 AI‑Guided 600 mm Rocket Launchers Ahead of Ninth Party Congress

Updated (10 articles)
  • This photo, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 19, 2026, shows 600 millimeter-caliber multiple rocket launchers at the April 25 House of Culture in Pyongyang after they were presented to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea on Feb. 18. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This photo, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 19, 2026, shows 600 millimeter-caliber multiple rocket launchers at the April 25 House of Culture in Pyongyang after they were presented to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea on Feb. 18. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This photo, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 19, 2026, shows 600 millimeter-caliber multiple rocket launchers at the April 25 House of Culture in Pyongyang after they were presented to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea on Feb. 18. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • North Korean leader Kim Jong Un helps deliver a KN-25 multiple rocket launcher to the military on February 18, 2026, according to state media.
    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un helps deliver a KN-25 multiple rocket launcher to the military on February 18, 2026, according to state media.
    Image: Newsweek
    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un helps deliver a KN-25 multiple rocket launcher to the military on February 18, 2026, according to state media. Source Full size
  • North Korean leader Kim Jong Un helps deliver a KN-25 multiple rocket launcher to the military on February 18, 2026, according to state media.
    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un helps deliver a KN-25 multiple rocket launcher to the military on February 18, 2026, according to state media.
    Image: Newsweek
    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un helps deliver a KN-25 multiple rocket launcher to the military on February 18, 2026, according to state media. Source Full size
  • These photos, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 19, 2026, show North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (L) and 600 millimeter-caliber multiple rocket launchers at a ceremony the previous day to present them to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    These photos, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 19, 2026, show North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (L) and 600 millimeter-caliber multiple rocket launchers at a ceremony the previous day to present them to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    These photos, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 19, 2026, show North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (L) and 600 millimeter-caliber multiple rocket launchers at a ceremony the previous day to present them to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This photo, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 19, 2026, shows 600 millimeter-caliber multiple rocket launchers at the April 25 House of Culture in Pyongyang after they were presented to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea on Feb. 18. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This photo, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 19, 2026, shows 600 millimeter-caliber multiple rocket launchers at the April 25 House of Culture in Pyongyang after they were presented to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea on Feb. 18. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This photo, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 19, 2026, shows 600 millimeter-caliber multiple rocket launchers at the April 25 House of Culture in Pyongyang after they were presented to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea on Feb. 18. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • This photo, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 19, 2026, shows 600 millimeter-caliber multiple rocket launchers at the April 25 House of Culture in Pyongyang after they were presented to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea on Feb. 18. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    This photo, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 19, 2026, shows 600 millimeter-caliber multiple rocket launchers at the April 25 House of Culture in Pyongyang after they were presented to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea on Feb. 18. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This photo, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 19, 2026, shows 600 millimeter-caliber multiple rocket launchers at the April 25 House of Culture in Pyongyang after they were presented to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea on Feb. 18. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size

Kim Unveils Fifty New 600 mm Rocket Launchers North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally operated one of the 50 newly‑produced KN‑25 multiple‑rocket launchers during a February 18 ceremony, climbing into the driver’s seat and smiling for cameras [2][3]. Each system sits on a four‑axle transporter‑erector‑launcher (TEL) equipped with five rocket tubes, a configuration highlighted by all three outlets [1][2][3]. The display took place at Pyongyang’s April 25 House of Culture, where the launchers were formally handed to the Korean People’s Army [1][3].

Launchers Feature AI‑Guided Super‑Precision and Five‑Tube TELs State media reported that the mass‑produced KN‑25 incorporates artificial‑intelligence‑enhanced guidance and a compound navigation system, which Kim claimed “completely changes the role and conception of artillery” [2][3]. Analysts note the 600 mm caliber makes it the world’s largest artillery rocket system, surpassing the range of the U.S. HIMARS and capable of delivering tactical nuclear warheads [1]. The five‑tube TEL design enables rapid salvo fire, increasing battlefield saturation potential [1][2].

Demonstration Precedes Ninth Workers’ Party Congress The showcase was timed to precede the Ninth Workers’ Party Congress scheduled for late February, a meeting expected to set new defence and economic priorities [1][3]. KCNA framed the event as a symbol of “absolute power” and a propaganda boost ahead of the congress, with thousands of spectators waving flags [2]. Kim hinted that additional hardware would be revealed at the congress, underscoring the political significance of the display [2].

Range and Tactical Nuclear Capability Highlighted Officials stated the launcher can strike targets up to roughly 400 kilometers, a distance tested in a January firing attended by Kim [3]. While Newsweek emphasized the system’s ability to out‑range HIMARS, CNN recalled a 2022 claim that earlier 600 mm launchers could reach the entire South Korean peninsula [2]. All sources agree the KN‑25 is designed to carry tactical nuclear warheads, aligning with estimates that North Korea possesses about 50 operational warheads and material for 30‑40 more [2].

Analysts Link Russian Support to Accelerated Development Observers suggested that North Korea’s material and personnel support for Russia in Ukraine may be sharpening its missile technology and operational experience, potentially influencing the rapid fielding of the KN‑25 [2]. Experts also pointed to the regime’s “second economy” that diverts resources from civilian needs to weapons production, fueling such advanced projects [1]. The convergence of AI, extended range, and nuclear capability marks a notable escalation in Pyongyang’s artillery arsenal.

Sources

Related Tickers

by TradingView

Timeline

Mar 2021: At the 8th Workers’ Party Congress, Kim Jong Un unveils high‑tech weapons programmes, including spy satellites, solid‑fuel ICBMs and nuclear‑powered submarines, signalling a shift toward advanced strategic capabilities [7].

2022: North Korean state media displays 30 tracked 600 mm launchers, claiming they can reach the entire South Korean peninsula and carry tactical nuclear warheads, underscoring early ambitions for long‑range artillery [1].

Dec 25, 2025: Kim Jong Un orders a major expansion of missile and shell production, directs the construction of new munitions factories to be decided at the upcoming ninth Party Congress, and inspects an 8,700‑ton nuclear‑powered strategic guided‑missile submarine, linking the push to deterrence and potential weapons exports to Russia [9][10].

Dec 26, 2025: Kim commands the expansion and modernization of missile production for 2026, mandates new plants to meet growing armed‑forces demand, and oversees a test launch of high‑altitude long‑range anti‑air missiles over the Sea of Japan, reflecting a broadened strike portfolio [3].

Dec 29, 2025: Kim visits a secretive munitions factory, urges a “revolution” in multiple‑rocket‑launcher output, labels the system “strategic” and capable of nuclear‑level impact, and frames the move as a milestone in practical deterrence ahead of the ninth Party Congress [6][7].

Jan 4, 2026: Kim tours a modernized munitions plant, orders production capacity to rise by roughly 2.5 times, directs the rollout of tactical guided weapons to major units in the first half of 2026, and demands tighter quality control and coordinated modernization plans [5].

Feb 17, 2026 (planned): The ninth Workers’ Party Congress convenes in Pyongyang, slated to unveil a roadmap for “self‑reliant defense” and set new economic and defence priorities, including decisions on new munitions factories and deployment of advanced artillery systems [4][2].

Feb 18, 2026: Workers deliver 50 newly built 600 mm multiple‑rocket launchers to the congress venue, the system boasts a 400‑km range, was test‑fired in January with Kim present, and Kim hails it as the world’s most advantageous super‑powerful attack tool capable of instantly crippling enemy command infrastructure [4].

Feb 19, 2026: Kim personally climbs aboard a 600 mm rocket launcher, smiles for cameras, declares the rockets equal short‑range ballistic missiles with AI guidance, and claims no other nation possesses such a system, using the display to reinforce his absolute power ahead of the congress [1].

Feb 19, 2026: Kim unveils 50 fresh KN‑25 launchers, sits in the driver’s seat, asserts the AI‑enhanced system offers “super‑precision” and out‑ranges U.S. HIMARS, transfers the launchers to the Korean People’s Army, and highlights the dominance of the unofficial “second economy” that diverts resources to weapons production [2].

All related articles (10 articles)