North Korea has said its latest live-fire drill demonstrated what it called the “huge destructive power” of concentrated fire. The exercise involved missiles, artillery and drones and was conducted on September 12, according to North Korean state media. South Korea separately confirmed that multiple short-range ballistic missiles were launched from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea, travelling about 250 kilometres. The drill came one day after the United States, South Korea and Japan completed their Freedom Edge military exercise. The latest activity has added to concerns over North Korea-South Korea tensions and Pyongyang’s continued weapons development.Why North Korea Held DrillNorth Korea described the exercise as a joint firepower attack drill involving selected units from five artillery and missile formations. State media said the drill was designed to familiarise troops with an integrated firepower control system and improve their ability to respond quickly. The exercise combined different weapons rather than focusing on a single missile system, highlighting Pyongyang’s emphasis on coordinated attacks.The drill was conducted on September 12.It involved missiles, artillery and attack drones.South Korea detected several short-range ballistic missiles.The missiles travelled around 250 kilometres toward the East Sea.The exercise followed a US-South Korea-Japan military drill.Drill Followed Allied ExercisesThe latest North Korea live-fire drills came shortly after the US, South Korea and Japan completed their five-day Freedom Edge exercise. The trilateral exercise was held in international waters around the Korean Peninsula and focused on strengthening coordination between the three countries.Pyongyang has repeatedly criticised such military exercises, describing them as preparations for conflict. Washington and its allies maintain that their joint exercises are defensive and intended to improve regional security and readiness. The timing of the latest North Korean launch has therefore increased attention on the continuing military tensions.North Korea had also carried out ballistic missile activity earlier in September. South Korea said the September 12 launches were the country's first publicly detected ballistic missile launches in about three weeks. The missiles were launched from the eastern coastal area of Wonsan and headed toward waters off North Korea's eastern coast.Also Read: US Pilot Shot Down Over Iran Recalls Free-Falling During Terrifying RescueKim Jong Un Maintains PressureNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un has continued to promote the country's military capabilities, including nuclear weapons and advanced conventional systems. The latest drill reportedly included tactical cruise missiles, large-calibre multiple rocket launchers, tactical ballistic missiles and different types of attack drones.The exercise also comes as diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. US President Donald Trump recently ordered a reduction in the scale of a major US-South Korea military exercise, which Washington presented as a possible step toward improving the environment for diplomacy. North Korea has nevertheless continued displaying and testing military capabilities.Key HighlightsNorth Korea described its latest drill as highly destructive.Missiles, artillery and drones were used together.South Korea detected several short-range ballistic missiles.The missiles flew approximately 250 kilometres.The exercise followed the Freedom Edge drill involving the US, South Korea and Japan.North Korea continues to expand and demonstrate different weapons systems.North Korea Shows Military StrengthThe latest exercise shows North Korea's continued focus on combining different weapons systems in coordinated operations. Pyongyang says this approach can improve its ability to deliver concentrated firepower, although independent verification of North Korean claims about the drill remains limited.The launches also underline the continuing security challenge on the Korean Peninsula. With military exercises by the US and its allies continuing and North Korea maintaining its weapons programme, tensions remain high despite efforts to keep diplomatic options open.Disclaimer: This article is provided only for knowledge purposes and for providing news information based on verified available reports and official statements.
