North Korea plans to station a new self-propelled howitzer along its border with South Korea by the end of 2026. State media reported the plans after leader Kim Jong-un inspected a munitions factory and a destroyer this week.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim visited a munitions factory on Wednesday to review output of the new-type 155 mm self-propelled gun-howitzer. The weapon is intended for three battalions along the southern border and has a range exceeding 60 kilometers.
Kim stated that 2026 will mark an unprecedented upgrade in national defense capabilities. He called on officials to achieve daily progress in strengthening military readiness.
On Thursday, Kim boarded the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon in the Yellow Sea for a navigation test. He directed that the vessel be delivered to the navy by mid-June. His daughter Ju-ae accompanied him during both inspections.
