Pyongyang [North Korea], September 10: North Korea has unveiled a new super-large 12-axle rocket launcher as leader Kim Jong-un vows to increase the number of nuclear weapons.
North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released images of leader Kim Jong-un inspecting a missile launch vehicle during a visit to a defense production facility over the weekend.
The transport, erector and launch vehicle (TEL) has 12 axles, one more than the previous version used to carry the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile . This is the first time North Korea has shown off the new vehicle, according to Yonhap news agency.
The increased number of axles suggests the vehicle could carry a longer missile than North Korea's existing missiles.
In a speech on the occasion of the National Day on September 9, leader Kim Jong-un declared that he would strengthen nuclear capabilities to deter threats from enemies, saying that Pyongyang is implementing a policy of rapidly increasing the number of nuclear weapons, KCNA reported on September 10.
Mr. Kim accused the US of expanding a military bloc in the region, posing a serious threat to North Korea and forcing Pyongyang to increase its nuclear arsenal.
A South Korean military official said that the country's and the US intelligence agencies are closely monitoring North Korea's weapons development activities.
Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said on September 9 that it was not unusual for North Korea to use media and images to send a message to the world . He stressed that the US was working with its allies South Korea and Japan to maintain regional security and stability and prevent a potential attack.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper