Mr Kim, who supervised the manoeuvring of troops and the firing of artillery with mock nuclear warheads, praised the readiness of the “world’s best” tactical nuclear weapons.

Pyongyang has claimed some of its artillery systems, including the 600mm (24in) multiple rocket launchers tested on Monday, are capable of delivering tactical nuclear warheads.

North Korea said the nuclear trigger, known as “Haekbangashoe” in Korean, demonstrated the strength and diverse nature of its nuclear forces.

State media photos showed at least four rockets being fired from launch vehicles, as Mr Kim looked on from an observation post. 

The rockets reportedly flew 218 miles before directly striking an island target, prompting Mr Kim to boast they were as accurate as a “sniper’s rifle”.