North Korea Test-Fires Its Own Version of HIMARS, AI-Guided Cruise Missiles Target South Korea

Central News Agency, Washington, May 27. North Korea recently tested its own version of the HIMARS multiple rocket launcher system and launched tactical cruise missiles, reportedly using AI guidance, from a mobile launcher. North Korean state media claimed these cruise missiles would soon be deployed to the border between the two Koreas for high-precision strikes. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that on the afternoon of the 26th, they detected North Korea firing several short-range ballistic missiles from the vicinity of Chongju, North Pyongan Province, toward the West Sea (Yellow Sea), while simultaneously firing multiple rocket launchers. The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that North Korea tested various tactical ballistic missiles, rockets, and cruise missiles designed for modern warfare to enhance combat capabilities. These tests evaluated the power of "special mission warheads" on tactical ballistic missiles, the reliability of long-range multiple rocket launchers, and the precision of AI-guided tactical cruise missiles. The Wall Street Journal cited weapons experts noting that photos released by North Korean state media show the configuration and ammunition loading mechanism of the new system are very similar to the US HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System). North Korea first unveiled this system during a military parade last year. Regarding the tactical cruise missiles launched from different types of mobile launchers, North Korea claimed they use AI-driven guidance technology and stated they would soon be deployed near the South Korean border, capable of performing high-precision strikes on any target within a range of about 97 kilometers. North Korea relies on its growing nuclear arsenal as a deterrent against external military attacks, but the upgrading of conventional forces remains a key focus of Kim Jong-un's new five-year weapons development plan, which also includes enhancing naval capabilities and improving reconnaissance satellites. Kim Jong-un stated in February this year that North Korea's 600mm multiple rocket launcher system uses AI technology; last year, he inspected suicide drones reportedly equipped with AI technology. Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU), a South Korean government-backed think tank, stated that North Korea's imitation of the HIMARS system shows that Kim Jong-un is trying to enhance frontline combat capabilities while also aiming to continue exporting weapons to Russia in the future.