Smiling Kim Jong-un poses with 'super large rocket launcher'
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been pictured smiling while overseeing the test of a "super large multiple rocket launcher,” state news agency KCNA reported.
The hermit state fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Saturday, the South Korean military said, the latest in a series of launches in recent weeks amid stalled denuclearisation talks.
Photos released by North Korean state media showed rockets launching from large tubes mounted on the back of an eight-wheel vehicle.
Analysts said it appeared to be at least the fourth new missile system unveiled by North Korea since denuclearisation talks stalled at a February summit between Mr Kim and US President Donald Trump.
North Korea must step up development of new strategic and tactical weapons to counter "ever-mounting military threats and pressure offensive of the hostile forces”, Mr Kim said on Saturday, according to KCNA.
Mr Kim added North Korea's young defence scientists who developed the missiles were a "precious treasure and wealth of the country which cannot be bartered for anything”.
A KCNA commentary said on Saturday North Korea would “never barter the strategic security of the country for the sanctions relief”.
American officials have been trying to restart the stalled talks with North Korea over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, which are heavily sanctioned.
After the latest tests, Mr Trump again touted his good relationship with Mr Kim and said the North Korean leader had been "pretty straight with me”.
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