North Korea displays 50 new large‑calibre rocket systems ahead of party meeting

North Korea displays 50 new large‑calibre rocket systems ahead of party meeting

On February 18, 2026, the government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea presented 50 newly produced large‑calibre multiple rocket launcher vehicles during an event in Pyongyang, state media reported. The ceremony took place ahead of the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, a key political gathering scheduled for later in February. The weapons displayed were described by local media as 600 millimeter‑class systems with advanced guidance features and artificial intelligence components. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the presentation, according to the Korean Central News Agency. In remarks reported by KCNA, Kim said the rocket systems have precision and power comparable to high‑precision ballistic missiles and are suitable for a “strategic mission,” a term used by state outlets in relation to their offensive capabilities. He also stated that the new weapons system “virtually no difference from a high‑precision ballistic missile” in terms of precision and power. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Photographs released by North Korean state media showed rows of launcher trucks parked in formation near the April 25th House of Culture in Pyongyang. Officials involved in weapons manufacturing were present at the event and the disclosures about the systems’ guidance technology and potential roles in national defense were made as the Workers’ Party congress approached. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}