EXPLAINER: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is working on expanding his weapons arsenal with nuclear-capable missiles hidden in trains that can be launched anywhere along a railway.
FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2021, file photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves from a balcony toward the assembled troops and spectators during a celebration of the nation's 73rd anniversary at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea. North Korea's recent sword-rattling after months of relative quiet makes clear that leader Kim Jong Un is working on expanding his weapons arsenal.
Likely they are an attempt to wrest concessions from Washington if, and when, long-stalled diplomatic talks on Kim’s nuclear program resume. Part of the message is aimed domestically, however, to reinforce internal unity as North Koreans cope with deeper hardship in a never-healthy economy that’s been battered by the coronavirus pandemic.
Firing from trains also adds another platform for missile launches — in addition to mobile trucks, ground pads and a submarine method still being tested. A train-based platform utilizes North Korea’s national rail network and allows for secret movement and launch, although experts note rail networks are vulnerable targets in a crisis.
It’s being developed as nuclear capable and flies at a low altitude, making it harder to detect. Its development demonstrates North Korea’s push to break enemy defense lines and diversify a weapons inventory that’s heavy on ballistic missiles. North Korea’s recent tests could be low-key reactions to the continuation of joint U.S.-South Korean military drills and to South Korean efforts to build up its arms programs.
North Korea may also conduct another weapons test around a major state anniversary, like the ruling Workers’ Party foundation day on Oct. 10.
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