As North Korean State Media (KCNA) reported on February 12, 2024, Pyongyang has developed a new ballistic control system and successfully tested multiple rocket launchers with controllable projectiles. The Academy of Defense Sciences, which oversees the country and its missile development process, carried out the “ballistic control” exercise of 240 mm diameter controllable multiple rocket launcher projectiles on February 11, 2024.[1]
KCNA stated that the strategic value of the 240 mm diameter multiple rocket launcher will be “re-evaluated” and its role in the field will increase due to “rapid technical improvement”. At the same time, KCNA said that the development of the projectile and ballistic control system would create a “qualitative change” in the Army’s multiple rocket launcher force.[2]
The launch, dated February 11, 2024, took place at a time when North Korea has recently conducted a series of missile tests and ties between Pyongyang and Moscow have increased. On the other hand, these steps were criticized by the United States (US) and its allies on the grounds that they escalated tensions on the Korean Peninsula.[3]
North Korea’s claim to develop a new ballistic control system and controllable bullets is an important development that affects the military balances and security dynamics in the region. First of all, North Korea’s development of these new technologies can be considered as a reflection of the country’s efforts to modernize its military capabilities. This means that North Korea can change the balance of power in the region by increasing its military capacity.
North Korea’s development of these new technologies raises concern in the international community, because such developments may increase instability in the region and increase the risk of conflict. In addition, the continuation of North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs may attract the reaction of the international community and increase security threats in the region.
In this context, it is important what policy the international community will follow against North Korea’s military developments. Trying to reduce tension in the region and minimize the risk of conflict by seeking diplomatic solutions may be a step to be followed by global actors at this point. In addition, steps can be taken such as continuing the dialogue with North Korea and making efforts for the international community to ensure stability in the region. However, it is known that North Korea has completely closed the paths of dialogue, diplomacy and negotiation. This situation creates global concern and encourages the use of hard power.
As a matter of fact, North Korea is a very large nuclear power and the concerns it creates are deeply felt not only regionally but also globally. This causes anti-North Korea moves in the Asia-Pacific Region. Chief among these moves are military exercises developed and implemented in partnership with the USA, Japan and South Korea. North Korea’s nuclear capacity and the concerns it causes may cause the global community to take action. Because North Korea’s nuclear weapons program causes serious concerns in the international community and increases instability in the region.
This situation causes an increase in anti-North Korea moves in the Asia-Pacific Region. Increasing military cooperation and exercises, especially among powerful actors in the region such as the USA, Japan and South Korea, are among these moves. These countries work together to counter North Korea’s nuclear threat and ensure security in the region.
Military exercises carried out jointly by the USA, Japan and South Korea are seen as an important step to maintain security and stability in the region. These exercises are necessary to strengthen military capacities, increase cooperation and be prepared against security threats in the region.
However, such military moves have the potential to provoke North Korea. At this point, it can be argued that the USA and the Western Bloc are in a paradox. Even though the West aims to deter North Korea, the actions taken further provoke Pyongyang. The fact that dialogue, diplomacy and negotiation paths with Pyongyang are closed leaves no other choice for the Western Bloc. This contributes to Washington’s ability to better consolidate its allies in the Asia-Pacific. As a matter of fact, there is a serious threat perception emanating from North Korea.
As a result, North Korea’s claim to develop a new ballistic missile system and controllable projectiles is an important factor affecting the security balances in the region. North Korea’s nuclear capacity negatively affects security dynamics in the region and at the global level. This situation encourages military cooperation and exercises among powerful actors in the region and increases efforts to ensure regional security.
[1] “North Korea Develops New Rocket Launcher Controller, KCNA Reports”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-korea-develops-new-rocket-launcher-controller-state-media-2024-02-12/, (Date of Access: 13.02.2024).
[2] “North Korea Develops New Rocket Launcher Controller-State Media”, US News, https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-02-11/north-korea-develops-new-rocket-launcher-controller-state-media, (Date of Access: 13.02.2024).
[3] “North Korea Develops New Rocket Launcher Controller-State Media”, Investing, https://www.investing.com/news/world-news/north-korea-develops-new-rocket-launcher-controller–state-media-3300133, (Date of Access: 13.02.2024).
