Kim’s words do not seem to be a mere empty boast, as despite all the sanctions imposed against North Korea by the US and its allies, Pyongyang commands a potent military force equipped with some rather impressive armaments.
Here are but a few examples of weapon systems that North Korea could bring to bear against its foes:
- M1989 Koksan is a 170mm self-propelled howitzer that can lob artillery shells at a distance of up to 60 kilometers.
- Hwasong-11Na, also known as KN-24, is a short-range ballistic missile capable of carrying up to 500 kg of conventional payload, that has a range of about 400 kilometers.
- Hwasong-8 is a ballistic missile equipped with a hypersonic gliding vehicle, according to Pyongyang. The missile can deliver warheads to targets several thousand kilometers away.
- KN-09 is 300mm multiple launch rocket system that has a range of over 200 kilometers.
- KN-25 is a truly peculiar creation of North Korean weapon manufacturers. Officially designated as a super-large caliber multiple launch rocket system, KN-25 can fire munitions that qualify as tactical ballistic missiles that can carry both conventional and nuclear payloads. The weapon’s range is estimated at 380 kilometers.
- M2020 is a next generation main battle tank equipped with a 125mm cannon and anti-tank missiles. Visually, M2020 resembles a mix of Russian T-14 Armata and US M1 Abrams. It is a relatively new addition to the North Korean arsenal and it remains to be seen what exactly it is capable of.