The Missile Administration of the DPRK conducted a test-fire on January 27 to verify the effectiveness of a large-calibre multiple rocket launcher system upgraded with new technology.

Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, oversaw the test-fire.

He was accompanied by Kim Jong Sik, first deputy department director of the Central Committee of the WPK, and Jang Chang Ha, general director of the Missile Administration of the DPRK.

Expressing satisfaction over the result of the important test, he said:

"Today's test is of great significance in improving the effectiveness of our strategic deterrent.

“That is because we have achieved technical upgrading of this weapon system to employ its most powerful characteristics in a most appropriate and effective way, and thus made it possible to apply it in specific attacks.

“All the indexes have been improved to maximize its strike capability, and the mobility, intelligence and hitting accuracy of the rockets, in particular, have remarkably been upgraded.

“The mobility of the newly-modernized launcher vehicle is also perfect.

“The self-steered precisely guided flight system, which can neglect any outside intervention, is a major feature that demonstrates the superiority of this weapon system.

“The course of achieving this success was not all plain sailing, but the task has wonderfully been carried out by our scientists and technicians.

“I am sure that no other country would acquire such technology or possess such capability in a few years at least.

“If they had seen this test, our enemies would obviously have recognized the modernity and development potential of our defence technology.

“This is clear proof of the steady improvement and uninterrupted evolution of our defence technology.

“As I have always emphasized, the relevant activities we conduct are clearly aimed at none other than further raising the level of our deterrent against a nuclear war.

“Demonstrating such a will and capability is itself a responsible exercise of the deterrent.

“This cannot be but indispensable for self-defence today.

“I extend thanks to the defence science research group that has made devoted and painstaking efforts to perfect this weapon system.

“The result and significance of this test will be a source of excruciating mental agony and serious threat to the forces that attempt to provoke a military confrontation with us.

“Our artillerymen, possessed with the most precise, destructive and massive strike capability, will perform the responsible mission of deterring war."

The fired four rockets hit a target in the waters 358.5 km away from the point of launch.

Kim Jong Un stressed that to build up the most reliable offensive capability and enforce the deterrence strategy based on it is the invariable line of our Party's national defence policy. And he said that the Ninth Congress of the WPK will clarify the next-stage plans for further bolstering up the country's nuclear war deterrent.