North Korea conducts test of nuclear-capable multiple rocket launchers

North Korea tests nuclear-capable rocket launchers, escalating tensions amid U.S.-South Korea military drills and regional security concerns.

North Korea conducted a test of its "state of the art", nuclear-capable multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS), state media reported on Sunday (March 15, 2026), a day after Seoul identified the launch of around 10 ballistic missiles.

The test comes just days after South Korean and U.S. forces kicked off their springtime military drills.

Kim Jong Un oversaw the test on Saturday (March 14), which "involved twelve 600mm-calibre ultra-precision multiple rocket launchers and two artillery companies", the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

Mr. Kim said the drill would give Pyongyang's enemies "within the 420 km striking range" a sense of "uneasiness" as well as "a deep understanding of the destructive power of tactical nuclear weapon", KCNA reported.

KCNA said on Sunday (March 15) that the rockets battered an island target in the East Sea of Korea more than 360 kilometres away.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, oversees the test-launch of 600 mm-calibre multiple rocket launchers, North Korea, March 14, 2026, in this picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency. | Photo Credit: Reuters