Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced a directive to advance the military's artillery strategies and intensify training to prepare for real-world combat scenarios. This call comes in response to what he describes as the "harsh and acute" conditions of the ever-evolving modern battlefield, as reported by state media on Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kim made these remarks while overseeing an artillery subunit firing contest of the Korean People's Army (KPA) on Wednesday. He emphasized the necessity for the military to bolster its combat readiness through rigorous training, focusing on the ability to swiftly respond to war and decisively defeat adversaries in every confrontation.

Kim expressed his satisfaction with the contest's outcomes and reiterated the need for the military to enhance its training regimen for actual warfare. He asserted that the most effective deterrent against war is a clear understanding of the primary enemy.

In February, during a visit to the Defense Ministry, Kim set the goal of 2025 as a pivotal year for military training, amidst increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. He has since been actively involved in overseeing various military initiatives aimed at enhancing training intensity and acquiring modern warfare skills.

Kim also attended a similar military artillery firing contest in late May, underscoring his commitment to strengthening North Korea's defense capabilities.