How is North Korea Strengthening Its Combat Capability During Artillery Drills?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a striking call to action, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un emphasizes the urgent need for military readiness through rigorous training. This report delves into his recent observations of artillery drills and outlines the strategic implications of enhancing combat capabilities in a rapidly evolving battlefield environment.
Key Takeaways
- Kim Jong-un urges military enhancements through rigorous training.
- Focus on being ready for war at any moment.
- Artillery exercises aimed at improving combat strategies.
- Integration of lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Emphasis on understanding the 'arch enemy' as a deterrent strategy.
Seoul, July 24 (NationPress) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has urged the military to enhance its combat readiness through rigorous training, emphasizing the necessity to be capable of responding to a war at any moment and vanquishing the adversary in every engagement, as reported by state media on Thursday.
Kim made these statements while observing a competitive artillery exercise involving subunits of the Korean People's Army (KPA) the previous day, alongside high-ranking party and defense officials, as reported by Yonhap, citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
During the training designed to improve artillery firing skills, the participating units were instructed to strike a maritime target within a specified timeframe, according to the KCNA.
Kim expressed his approval after witnessing the contest and urged for the advancement of the military's artillery strategies to align with the demanding and rapidly changing conditions of the modern battlefield, as noted by the KCNA.
He also indicated that the military must intensify training for a “real war” and asserted that the most effective war deterrent is a “clear understanding of the arch enemy.”
Among those present at the event were Pak Jong-chon, vice chairman of the ruling party's Central Military Commission; Defense Minister No Kwang-chol; and Ri Yong-gil, chief of the General Staff of the KPA.
In his visit to the defense ministry in February, Kim identified 2025 as the year of military training and has since supervised a variety of military activities focusing on intensive training and the development of modern warfare capabilities.
Kim previously oversaw a similar military artillery firing exercise in late May.
An official from South Korea's unification ministry evaluated that North Korea's recent firing drills did not seem to target either South Korea or the United States, noting that Pyongyang did not clarify who it referred to as “the arch enemy.”
Hong Min, a senior researcher at South Korea's Korea Institute for National Unification, highlighted the appearance of a 170-millimeter self-propelled gun in KCNA photos from the drills, suggesting that North Korea might be integrating warfare lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict into its military training.
“North Korea seems to be systematically incorporating the insights gained from its troop deployment to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and applying them throughout its military,” Hong stated. The 170-mm self-propelled gun is among the various armaments North Korea is reported to have supplied to Russia in support of the war.
Point of View
It's essential to underscore that while North Korea's military exercises may seem provocative, they reflect a broader strategy of deterrence and preparedness. The emphasis on modern warfare tactics and comprehensive training indicates a shift towards adapting military strategies in response to global conflicts, particularly the lessons drawn from the Russia-Ukraine war.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Kim Jong-un's recent military exercises?
Kim Jong-un has called for enhanced military readiness through rigorous training to ensure the North Korean military can respond effectively to any potential conflict.
How does North Korea's artillery training relate to global military strategies?
North Korea appears to be integrating lessons learned from global conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war, into its military training to modernize its strategies.
What is the significance of the term 'arch enemy' in North Korea's military context?
The term 'arch enemy' reflects North Korea's longstanding adversarial stance, although recent drills did not specify who this refers to, indicating a broader defensive posture.
What are the implications of Kim's military strategy for regional security?
Kim's focus on enhancing combat capabilities raises concerns about increased military tensions in the region, potentially affecting security dynamics with neighboring countries.
What specific military advancements is North Korea pursuing?
North Korea is emphasizing the development of modern warfare capabilities, including advanced artillery tactics and systems, as part of its military modernization efforts.
