North Korea's Kim Jong Un unveils 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers

Seoul [South Korea]: North Korean troops received a new tactical ballistic missile system on August 4, the country's state media KCNA has reported.

New Missile System Unveiled
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the delivery of the ballistic missile system at a ceremonial event in Pyongyang, Yonhap news agency quoted KCNA. The system includes 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers, described as "pivot military hardware" by the Korean Central News Agency.

Hwasong-11 Launcher Identified
Photos released by KCNA suggest that the weapon system is the "Hwasong-11" launcher, expected to be deployed along the military demarcation line with South Korea, Yonhap said.

Kim Jong Un's Statement
In his speech to military troops at the event, Kim Jong Un claimed that the US-led alliance has become a military bloc based on nuclear power. He asserted that Pyongyang will enhance its nuclear readiness to deter nuclear threats and protect itself against any challenges.

Ceremony Amid Floods
The ceremony comes as North Korea deals with recent floods. In July this year, North Korea announced it test-fired a new tactical missile following the "Freedom Edge" military drills staged by the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

International Condemnation
In June, the United States, Japan, and South Korea issued a joint statement "strongly opposing" any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the Indo-Pacific region and "strongly condemning" North Korea's ballistic missile launches. This statement followed a meeting of US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell with Japan's Vice Foreign Minister Masataka Okano and South Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong Kyun in Little Washington, Virginia.

Quad Alliance Response
At the Quad meeting in July, Australia, India, the United States, and Japan issued a joint statement condemning Pyongyang's actions as violations of UN Security Council resolutions. The statement expressed grave concern over North Korea's proliferation of nuclear weapons, malicious cyber activities, and the use of workers abroad to fund its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.

Russia-North Korea Treaty
Meanwhile, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang on June 19, Russia and North Korea signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, which includes provisions for immediate military assistance in the event of an attack on either party.

(With ANI inputs)