North korea
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his teenage daughter, observed a live-fire test of multiple 600mm-calibre ultra-precision rocket launch systems on the country's east coast, according to North Korean state media. The drill, likely in response to ongoing U.S.-South Korean military exercises deemed by Pyongyang as invasion rehearsals, involved the firing of around 10 ballistic missiles, which South Korea condemned as a provocation in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Kim claimed the weapons could target and destroy military infrastructure within a 420-kilometer range, posing a serious threat to South Korean and U.S. forces. The presence of Kim’s daughter, believed to be Kim Ju Ae, at such military events has fueled speculation she may be groomed as his successor. Experts note these large-scale rocket systems blur the line between artillery and ballistic missiles due to their guided, self-propelled nature and potential for nuclear armament. The incident comes amid the ongoing U.S.-South Korean "Freedom Shield" command post exercise set to last until March 19, a common trigger for North Korea’s weapons demonstrations.
