North Korean Leader Oversees Test-Launch of Rocket Launchers Alongside Daughter

KCNA

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, oversees the test-launch of 600 mm-calibre multiple rocket launchers, 14 March 2026.

Kim Jong Un, leader of North Korea, oversaw the test-launch of 12 600mm multiple rocket launchers on Saturday, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, as the United States and South Korea conducted their annual joint military exercises.

According to KCNA, Kim said the drill was intended to demonstrate the country’s military capability and to expose “enemies within the 420-km striking range to uneasiness,” adding that it would help them understand the destructive power of tactical nuclear weapons.

Images released by the state news agency showed Kim observing the tests alongside his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who is widely considered a potential successor.

KCNA reported that the rockets struck a target island in the East Sea approximately 364.4 kilometres away, claiming 100 percent accuracy.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s military said North Korea fired more than 10 ballistic missiles towards the sea off its east coast on Saturday. According to South Korea, the missiles were launched from an area near the capital, Pyongyang, at around 1:20 p.m. local time, travelling roughly 350 kilometres.

The launch comes amid heightened tensions following the start of large-scale joint military drills by the United States and South Korea. Last week, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of Kim Jong Un, described the exercises as a “provocative and aggressive war rehearsal” that could undermine regional stability.

However, Washington and Seoul maintain that the drills are purely defensive and aimed at strengthening readiness against potential threats from North Korea.

On Sunday, North Korea said it would continue conducting similar drills to test and reinforce the country’s war deterrence capabilities.

Pyongyang has been testing various ballistic and cruise missiles for more than two decades as part of its efforts to develop nuclear delivery systems. As a result, the country has faced multiple sanctions from the United Nations Security Council since 2006.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue. South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. on Thursday to discuss possible ways to reopen dialogue with North Korea. According to the South Korean premier, Trump remains eager to hold talks with Kim Jong Un.

Source: Reuters



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