South Korea Doubts North Korea’s Ability to Supply 250 MissileLaunchers
Seoul, South Korea – South Korea’s NationalIntelligence Service (NIS) has expressed skepticism about North Korea’s ability to supply 250 missile launchers, as reported by some media outlets. During aparliamentary intelligence committee meeting on August 26, the NIS stated that even if North Korea has deployed such a large number of launchers, it is doubtful whether theyhave enough missiles to equip them.
The NIS attributed this concern to North Korea’s ongoing efforts to provide military aid to Russia, which has reportedly prompted the regime to activate its missile and weapons production systems. This, according to the NIS, could hinder their capacity to produce enough missiles to match the reported number of mobile launchers.
The NIS also provided information about the potential impact of a North Korean missile launch on South Korea. They estimated that a missile fired from North Korea couldtravel approximately 110 kilometers and potentially affect the Chungcheong province.
In addition to the missile assessment, the NIS also provided an update on the recent flooding situation in North Korea. They reported that the damage in the Jagang province was particularly severe. Notably, the NIS highlighted that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the less affected North Pyongan province instead of Jagang, suggesting potential concerns about exposing military facilities in the latter province to external observation. They also speculated that this decision might be linked to internal regime management and bolstering the regime’s credibility.
The NIS further revealed that Russia has offered to provide floodrelief assistance to North Korea, a gesture that Kim Jong-un has reportedly expressed gratitude for.
The NIS’s assessment of North Korea’s missile capabilities and the recent flooding situation underscores the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding the Korean peninsula. While the regime’s military activities continue to raise concerns, the NIS’sstatement about the potential limitations in missile production capacity could offer some reassurance to South Korea and its allies.
The NIS’s comments come at a time when North Korea’s military activities have been drawing increased international attention. Recent reports have highlighted the regime’s development of new weapons systems, including hypersonic missiles andnuclear-capable drones.
The NIS’s statement also reflects the growing concern about North Korea’s potential involvement in the ongoing war in Ukraine. While the regime has denied providing weapons to Russia, there have been reports suggesting that North Korea has been supplying artillery shells to Moscow.
The NIS’s assessment ofNorth Korea’s capabilities and intentions is crucial for South Korea’s national security. The agency’s ongoing monitoring and analysis of the regime’s activities will continue to be vital in shaping South Korea’s response to the evolving security landscape on the Korean peninsula.
【source】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240826002300881?section=nk/index&input=rss
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