North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw tests of a 'special mission' warhead for a tactical ballistic missile, state media KCNA reported on Friday, as Pyongyang pushes for an 'offensive posture' along its border with South Korea.

The tests were conducted on the anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950–53 Korean War. Kim said North Korea's self-defense policy includes an objective to strengthen 'the deadly and destructive offensive posture to make no enemy dare to confront,' according to KCNA.

The tests included a new tactical ballistic missile system, strategic cruise missiles 'Hwasal-1' and 'Hwasal-2', and underwater drones 'Haeil'. These weapons are designed to target US military bases in South Korea.

Analyst Yang Moo-jin, a former president of the University of North Korean Studies, told AFP that the details provided by Pyongyang amounted to 'a show of force against the South Korean capital region.'

Pyongyang is pushing for automation, long-range capability and 'ultra-precision' in its weapons programs. The latest tests came just days after North Korea commissioned its first 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, on Tuesday.

Kim has called for the expansion of the country's nuclear and military capabilities amid the failure of diplomatic efforts by US President Donald Trump in 2019. He has said that diplomatic efforts can only resume if the US drops its demand for denuclearization of North Korea.

Source: www.dw.com