Image Credits: Image Title: North Korea Plans Deployment of New Long-Range Artillery Near South Korean Border. Source: (chatgpt.com) Date: May 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (chatgpt.com) by Open Chronicle and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle with agencies
North Korea says it plans to deploy a new generation of long-range artillery systems near its border with South Korea later this year, underscoring Pyongyang’s continued focus on strengthening conventional military capabilities aimed at the Seoul metropolitan region.
According to the state-run Korea Central News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a munitions factory on Wednesday to inspect production of a “new-type 155 mm self-propelled gun-howitzer system.”
KCNA reported that the weapons are scheduled for deployment to three battalions assigned to long-range artillery units positioned near the southern border.
Kim stated that the new system has a strike range exceeding 60 kilometers, placing much of the Seoul metropolitan area within reach. Seoul, home to more than 10 million people, lies roughly 30 miles from the demilitarized border separating the two Koreas.
Focus on Long-Range Firepower
North Korean state media described the artillery platform as featuring an automatic firing system, enhanced battlefield data-processing capabilities, and improved mobility.
Kim said the new artillery systems would “radically” improve the effectiveness of North Korea’s long-range strike forces and reshape military operational concepts.
Military analysts have long viewed North Korea’s extensive artillery network as one of its most immediate threats to South Korea due to the proximity of densely populated civilian and industrial zones near the border.
The announcement comes amid broader efforts by Pyongyang to modernize both its conventional and strategic forces.
Tensions Continue Despite Calls for Dialogue
Relations between North Korea and South Korea remain tense despite attempts by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to reopen dialogue channels since taking office in June.
Seoul has recently dismantled propaganda loudspeakers near the border and called for renewed diplomatic engagement, but Pyongyang has largely ignored those overtures while continuing missile tests and military expansion programs.
North Korea recently revised its constitution to remove references to reunification with South Korea, formally reinforcing Kim’s position that the two Koreas should be treated as separate states rather than future partners for reunification.
Although the Korean War ended in 1953, no formal peace treaty was ever signed, leaving the two countries technically still at war.
Naval Expansion Also Accelerates
In a separate report, KCNA said Kim also inspected North Korea’s new 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, during maneuverability tests ahead of its planned commissioning in June.
The vessel is considered North Korea’s largest and most advanced warship to date and forms part of Kim’s broader effort to expand the country’s naval capabilities.
Last month, North Korea reportedly test-fired nuclear-capable cruise missiles from the destroyer as part of ongoing weapons modernization programs.
KCNA added that Kim emphasized the importance of building new naval infrastructure capable of supporting larger destroyers, signaling ambitions to develop a more capable blue-water navy.
North Korean media also reported that additional destroyers remain under construction, including a third 5,000-ton vessel ordered for completion before Oct. 10, marking the anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.
Regional Concerns
The latest military developments are expected to raise concerns among neighboring countries and regional allies of the United States, particularly as tensions across East Asia continue to rise amid broader geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific.
Analysts say the expansion of both artillery and naval capabilities reflects Pyongyang’s dual strategy of maintaining deterrence while projecting greater regional military influence.