North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw another test firing of the new multiple rocket launch systems that his country plans to deploy in its forces this year, as it enhances its arsenal of weapons aimed at South Korean population centres.

State media reported Saturday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had overseen another test firing of the new multiple rocket launch systems, which his country intends to deploy in its forces this year. This is part of their move to enhance its arsenal of weapons aimed at South Korean population centres.

The official Korean Central News Agency of North Korea said that the test on Friday confirmed the “advantages and destructive power” the 240 millimeter multiple rocket launches and their guided shells. The agency stated that the system, which North Korea has already tested twice in this year, would be deployed by combat units between 2024 and 2026, replacing older weapons.

In recent months, North Korea has continued to accelerate its weapons testing in order to expand its military capabilities. Diplomacy between the United States of America and South Korea is still stuck. Experts believe Kim’s ultimate goal is to pressure the United States and South Korea into accepting North Korea as a nuclear nation and negotiate economic and security concessions.

In recent weeks, North Korea has concentrated on artillery. In April, it conducted a series of salvo launches with multiple 600-mm rocket launchers that were described by state media as a nuclear simulation against enemy targets.

This year, the North conducted multiple cruise missile tests as well as flight testing what it called a solid fuel intermediate range missile that had hypersonic capabilities. Experts believe it’s designed to reach distant U.S. military targets in the Pacific including Guam.

Kim, after Friday’s test of the multiple rocket launchers, issued orders to increase production of these 240-mm guided shells and launchers. He said this would “significantly change” the combat capability of his forces.

South Korean officials suspect that North Korean tests may also be aimed at testing weapons the North plans to export.

Officials from the United States and South Korea have accused North Korea of supplying artillery shells and missiles to Russia in order to extend its warfighting operations in Ukraine.

Kim has tried to increase the visibility of his relations with Moscow and Beijing in recent months as he attempts to break diplomatic isolation and form a united front to fight Washington.