SEOUL - The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has called for upgrading military equipment and developing ultra-modern weapons as a weaponry exhibition kicked off in Pyongyang to demonstrate the country's military capabilities.

Kim Jong-un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, made the remarks on Thursday at the opening ceremony of the exhibition themed "National Defence Development-2024," the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday.

The report said Kim lauded the DPRK's success in developing national defense as convincing evidence that the country has "the firm capability and security guarantee" to cope with various existential and potential security threats in the future.

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The DPRK leader said the ruling party and government would defend the country "by dint of national defense" through all efforts to "build up higher military and technical force and powerful military capabilities", the report added.

The exhibition showcased the latest products of the national defense scientific and technological team, featuring upgraded strategic and tactical weapons that emphasize modernity and advanced technology, precision targeting, and striking power, it said.