North Korea combat readiness has taken center stage as Kim Jong-un pushes for enhanced military strength. On Wednesday, he oversaw an artillery firing contest focused on boosting battlefield preparedness, according to state media reports Thursday.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the event involved artillery subunits of the Korean People’s Army (KPA). During the drill, participants had to hit a designated maritime target within a limited timeframe. This challenge tested both timing and precision, aligning with Kim’s emphasis on war preparedness.
Kim was joined by key military and party officials, including Pak Jong-chon, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission; Defense Minister No Kwang-chol; and Chief of the General Staff Ri Yong-gil.
Following the event, Kim praised the KPA’s performance. He called for the further development of artillery strategies to match the evolving and unpredictable modern battlefield. He added that North Korea combat drills must replicate real war scenarios to maximize effectiveness.
Moreover, Kim emphasized that the clearest view of the “arch enemy” serves as the strongest deterrent. Although North Korea did not explicitly name any specific enemy, South Korean officials believe the language does not directly target Seoul or Washington.
This artillery contest is one of many recent military exercises in what Kim designated as North Korea’s “year of military training.” In February, he issued instructions to prioritize combat readiness throughout 2025. Since then, he has supervised several drills aimed at modernizing the military and preparing for high-intensity warfare.
In late May, Kim observed a similar artillery contest, highlighting the consistent focus on North Korea combat preparation. These events showcase his broader effort to bolster defense capabilities.
South Korean analysts have raised new concerns about the weapons seen in photos released by KCNA. Specifically, the presence of a 170-millimeter self-propelled gun suggests North Korea is adopting tactics from the Russia-Ukraine war.
Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, noted that North Korea may be institutionalizing lessons from its reported troop involvement in that conflict. He believes these insights are being integrated across its armed forces.
As North Korea combat drills grow in complexity and frequency, regional security experts continue to monitor Pyongyang’s evolving military posture.
