KCNA reported on the holding of exercises in the DPRK to prepare for a nuclear counterstrike

Exercises were held in the DPRK under the leadership of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to work out the urgent transition of all units to readiness for a nuclear counterattack. This was announced on May 9 by the Central Telegraphic Agency of Korea (KCNA).

"Joint strike exercises were held aimed at increasing the combat capability of long-range guns and rocket launchers on the eastern front... The firing exercises were preceded by a repeated check of the reliability of the "trigger of nuclear weapons" system. Detailed exercises were also held to work out the order and process of the urgent transition of all units to readiness for a nuclear counterattack," the article says.

It is specified that the purpose of such exercises was to familiarize the relevant units with the procedure for the use of gun and missile systems within the framework of the state system of integrated control over nuclear weapons. The exercises involved a Hwasong-11ga tactical ballistic missile and a 600-millimeter long-range multiple launch rocket system (MLRS).

The agency quotes a representative of the DPRK Ministry of Defense, who believes that the exercises served as a fairly effective measure demonstrating the readiness and ability of the DPRK armed forces to respond quickly to changes in the military situation. It is emphasized that the purpose of the exercises has been achieved and the reliability of the command and mobilization system for rapid response to any nuclear crisis has been confirmed.

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