North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a live-fire drill testing nuclear-capable "super-large" multiple rocket launchers aimed at South Korea's capital, as he pledges to bolster his military deterrent amid escalating tensions with adversaries, state media reported on Tuesday.

The announcement follows a series of weapon demonstrations by North Korea, including the firing of multiple short-range ballistic missiles towards waters off its eastern coast, detected by South Korea and Japan a day earlier, intensifying regional anxieties.

Experts note that North Korea's use of large-sized artillery rockets blurs the line between conventional artillery and ballistic missiles due to their ability to self-propel and be guided. The regime has touted systems like the 600mm multiple rocket launchers tested on Monday as capable of delivering tactical nuclear warheads.

Photos released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency depicted at least six rockets being simultaneously launched from vehicles, with flames and smoke enveloping a target resembling a small island.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff revealed that North Korea likely conducted more launches than depicted in the photos. Lt. Col. Lee Chang-hyun categorized the weapons tested as ballistic missiles based on their characteristics and capabilities.

Additionally, North Korean troops reportedly conducted a separate test simulating the detonation of an artillery shell at a predetermined altitude, although it's unclear if this was related to nuclear warhead capabilities.

Kim emphasized the significance of the 600mm multiple rocket launchers in his arsenal, underscoring their potential to devastate Seoul in the event of conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

He stressed the need to demonstrate to adversaries the dire consequences of engaging in armed conflict and called on the army to remain vigilant in thwarting enemy aggression.

Lee highlighted the efforts of South Korea and the United States to enhance their response capabilities against North Korea's nuclear threats.

The launches coincide with the conclusion of joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S., which North Korea perceives as rehearsals for invasion. It's uncertain whether the timing of the launches is related to the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Seoul, where discussions on the North Korean threat took place.

Tensions have been escalating since 2022, following North Korea's accelerated missile testing amid the distraction of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In response, the U.S. and South Korea have bolstered joint military exercises and updated deterrence strategies.

Concerns loom over the possibility of heightened provocations from North Korea during election years in the U.S. and South Korea.

In a bold statement to North Korea's parliament in January, Kim renounced the country's pursuit of reconciliation with the South, instead vowing to annex and subjugate it in the event of another conflict, signaling a shift in North Korea's stance towards its southern neighbor.