ANKARA

North Korea will equip its military with a new 240mm multiple rocket launcher this year, state-run media said on Saturday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw on Friday a live-fire test of the "technically updated" version rocket system, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

The updated rocket launcher will be "deployed to units of the Korean People's Army as replacement equipment from 2024 to 2026.”

The KCNA said Kim also discussed ways to raise production of the new rocket launcher system and shells to "the highest level."

A "significant change" will be soon made in increasing the army's artillery combat ability, it added.

Inter-Korean relations are at one of their lowest points in years, and Pyongyang has declared South Korea, a US ally, its "principal enemy."

The US has also accused North Korea of providing munitions and military equipment to Russia to help boost its war effort in Ukraine.

Moscow and Pyongyang have strengthened ties in recent months, and Kim paid a state visit to Russia last year.

​​​​​​​*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid