North Korea announced on Thursday, 24 September 2026, that it had conducted a launch test of upgraded 240-millimetre guided missiles, saying they have a range of up to 115 kilometres. The test was part of its five-year plan to modernise its artillery and missile forces and enhance the readiness of units deployed near the border with South Korea.
Missile test details and announced ranges
The Korean Central News Agency reported that the test was conducted on 22 September and involved missiles designed for a multiple-launcher system that had been upgraded with a precise autonomous guidance system. According to data announced by Pyongyang, the missiles can hit targets 100 kilometres away when using a ballistic flight mode, with the range increasing to 115 kilometres when using a combined flight-and-glide mode.
The test was led by Ko Pyong Hyon, chairman of the Second Economic Committee, in the presence of several senior military and party officials, including Pak Jong Chon, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party, and Kim Jong Sik, first deputy head of one of the departments of the Party Central Committee.
The test was also observed by Jang Chang Ha, head of the General Missile Administration, and Yu Chang Son, head of the artillery department of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army, according to the official agency. Military officials overseeing the trial said that developing missiles with an extended range would bring about a major change in the readiness of firepower on the southern border.
Call to strengthen offensive capability on the southern border
The statements came as Pyongyang seeks to modernise long-range strike capabilities and increase their accuracy and ability to reach more distant targets. Pak Jong Chon stressed the need to concentrate what he described as “the most lethal and destructive offensive forces” on the southern border. He also called for it to be shown that the long-range strike capabilities of the North Korean armed forces had been replaced with the latest systems in the shortest possible period, according to statements carried by the official agency.
The test was part of a programme announced by North Korea to modernise its artillery and missile systems in line with national defence development goals. In May 2026, Pyongyang conducted a test of extended-range 240-millimetre guided missiles in the presence of leader Kim Jong Un.
In June 2026, North Korea also tested an upgraded multiple rocket launcher system of the same calibre, equipped with 24 launch tubes, along with other weapons, to assess its combat characteristics and accuracy in hitting targets.
The successive tests show that the modernisation programme is focused on combining greater range with improved guidance systems in rocket artillery units.
