North Korea deploys 250 missile launchers to frontline, threatens Seoul with tactical nukes

North Korea has announced the deployment of 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers to the front lines, formalizing its “ballistic missile offensive operation.” North Korea’s threats to turn South Korea into a “sea of fire” have escalated from long-range artillery to ballistic missiles.

According to the Korean Central News Agency on August 5, a ceremony was held in Pyongyang the previous day to mark the handover of new tactical ballistic missile launchers. During the ceremony, 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers produced by key munitions factories were delivered to frontline units.

Photos reveal that the 250 mobile launchers (TELs), lined up in rows of 23, are identified as the launch platforms for the close-range ballistic missile (CRBM) named “Hwasong-11Ra.” This missile, closely resembling South Korea’s precision-guided tactical surface-to-surface missile KTSSM, is also called the “North Korean KTSSM.” Since its first test launch in April 2022, it has been launched four times. The missile reportedly flies at a low altitude of less than 30 kilometers, making detection difficult.

If missiles are fired simultaneously from the 250 TELs, it would be challenging for South Korea to intercept them. Considering each TEL can carry four launch tubes, South Korea could face a barrage of up to 1,000 missiles.

In his speech, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stated, “We have become able to take the operational initiative with the overwhelming attack forces and striking means superior to the enemy on all fronts, achieve the multifaceted nature of the spaces of firepower tasks and improve the practical effectiveness of the special physical strength, tactical nuke.”

He emphasized the mass production of TELs to fire CRBMs in volleys, similar to long-range artillery, toward the Seoul metropolitan area.

Kim Jong-un also highlighted the diversification of firepower and the effectiveness of tactical nuclear weapons. This implies an intention to equip the CRBMs with various types of warheads, including tactical nuclear warheads. This development suggests that North Korea’s nuclear strike capabilities against South Korea are gradually taking shape near the border.

In March last year, North Korea unveiled the Hwasan-31 nuclear warhead cartridge and indicated that it could be mounted on the CRBM through a panel showing its delivery systems.

Experts are concerned that North Korea’s claims, if true, may necessitate a reevaluation of South Korea’s missile defense system. Hundreds of ballistic missiles, potentially equipped with tactical nuclear warheads, could be launched toward key targets such as Seoul and Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, posing a significantly greater threat than existing long-range artillery.

However, some argue that North Korea’s claims are unrealistic. Given the country’s economic difficulties, there are doubts about its ability to continuously produce and maintain the missiles and personnel needed to operate the 250 TELs.

Kim Jong-un further stated, “Negotiations and confrontation are among our options, but we must be more thoroughly prepared to cope with the latter – this is the review and conclusion we have derived from the 30-odd years of dealing with the United States, and it is the keynote of our consistent policy towards the United States.”

This is Kim’s first mention of dialogue since June 2021. His simultaneous emphasis on confrontation and dialogue appears to be a strategic move to enhance North Korea’s leverage amid the U.S. presidential election, including the potential re-election of Donald Trump.

BY KEUNPYUNG LEE, YOUNGNAM KIM [lee.keunpyung@joongang.co.kr]