North Korea Publicly Fires 'Sniper' 600 mm MRL for First Time

According to state-run media reports, North Korea has conducted the first public firing of its upgraded 600 mm 'Sniper' multiple rocket launcher (MRL). The demonstration took place on 29 October, alongside an exhibition featuring unmanned aerial vehicles and missile systems.

Weapons Demonstration Overview

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the live-fire event and accompanying Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Development-2026 exhibition were attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Reports indicate that the demonstration included:

• A 600 mm MRL battalion utilizing the newly designated 'Sniper' system.
• One-way attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
• Multi-purpose UAVs capable of launching air-to-surface missiles.
• Tactical cruise missiles.

Official reports claimed that participating systems struck targets on a small island, with state media asserting high accuracy across the demonstrated platforms. Published imagery showed multiple 600 mm MRLs firing simultaneously, alongside aerial munitions striking mock targets such as tanks and radars.

Identification and Unmanned Systems

Defence intelligence analysis by Janes identified specific hardware featured in the state media imagery, including:

• The Saetbyol-9 ('Morning Star-9') multirole UAV launching an unidentified weapon.
• The Saetbyol-4 ('Morning Star-4') strategic reconnaissance UAV.

Multiple airframes of both unmanned platforms were reportedly displayed during the concurrent exhibition.

Verification and Context

Because the details regarding this event originate primarily from state-run media broadcasts and published imagery, independent verification of the precise technical performance metrics remains limited. Observers note that such demonstrations serve public communication and capability-signalling purposes. To verify original announcements, defence analysts typically cross-reference official state releases with independent satellite imagery analysis and official government statements from neighboring regional authorities.