North Korea conducted a series of major weapons tests while South Korea unveiled an ambitious expansion of its drone capabilities, highlighting a further escalation in military competition across the Korean Peninsula.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the tests and called for the military to adopt a "deadly and destructive offensive posture," according to state media.
The developments come as both countries accelerate efforts to modernize their armed forces, with Seoul citing growing security concerns and Pyongyang emphasizing longer-range strike capabilities.
The weapons tested by North Korea included a "special mission" ballistic missile warhead, an upgraded extended-range rocket launcher, and a self-propelled gun-howitzer.
According to North Korean state media, the ballistic missile warhead is designed to inflict "fatal damage on major targets including airfields, ports and power facilities of the enemy."
Kim said the country was pursuing greater precision and longer-range capabilities, adding that recent tests demonstrated progress in strengthening firing capabilities along the southern border.
Analysts cited in the source reports suggested the upgraded systems could improve North Korea's ability to strike across the entirety of South Korea.
The latest tests follow earlier statements by Kim that the country's navy would receive nuclear weapons and larger warships as part of broader military modernization efforts.
In response to what it described as an evolving security environment, South Korea announced plans to train 500,000 "drone warriors" and significantly expand the deployment of unmanned systems throughout its armed forces.
Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back said drones should become a standard battlefield tool, with soldiers using them like a "second personal weapon."
The Defence Ministry said approximately 60,000 drones will be produced by 2029, including around 11,000 scheduled for introduction in 2026, while more than 20,000 additional low-cost expendable drones and AI-based swarm systems are also planned.
Seoul also intends to expand counter-drone capabilities using laser and high-power microwave technologies and will rely entirely on domestically produced components.
President Lee Jae Myung separately announced plans to develop five defence companies valued at $650 million by 2030 as the country increases investment in its domestic defence industry.