North Korean leader Kim Jong Un publicly visited an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) base for the first time and called for modernization to improve quick launch capabilities, according to state media on Wednesday, signaling that the DPRK has deployed its newest long-range weapons targeting the U.S.

Kim inspected multiple “strategic missile bases” to determine the “functionality and capabilities of missile launch-related facilities,” the Rodong Sinmun reported, and reviewed the “operational readiness of the strategic deterrence forces.”

He reportedly stressed the “need to further modernize and fortify strategic missile bases, ensuring that all bases maintain a thorough state of readiness