In a significant display of military capability, North Korea has successfully test-fired two strategic long-range cruise missiles, according to state media reports. The drills, which were conducted over the Yellow Sea on Sunday, were overseen by the nation’s leader, Kim Jong Un, who characterized the exercise as a robust demonstration of the country’s “combat readiness” against perceived foreign threats.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) revealed that the primary objective of this missile launch was to assess the operational readiness and combat capabilities of North Korea’s long-range missile units. The missiles reportedly flew for over two hours before striking their intended targets, with accompanying images released by the KCNA capturing the moment of launch.
The missiles were launched from the Sunan area, near the capital Pyongyang, at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time. Kim emphasized his commitment to the continuous and expansive development of North Korea’s nuclear forces, urging these developments to remain “unlimited and sustained.” He stated that Pyongyang would resolutely focus on enhancing its nuclear combat capabilities.
This latest missile test marks North Korea’s first significant military exercise since a ballistic missile test in early November, which came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest in a meeting with Kim during his regional tour. Despite this diplomatic overture, Pyongyang did not engage in negotiations.
The backdrop to this test involves rising tensions related to South Korea’s military advancements. Recently, South Korea announced plans to build a nuclear-powered submarine, initiatives that have drawn sharp criticism from North Korea. The North has characterized such developments as a serious violation of its security and an infringement on its maritime sovereignty. In a related incident, North Korean state media condemned the docking of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered attack submarine, the USS Greenville, in Busan, South Korea.
Experts interpret the latest cruise missile launch drill as a direct response to these regional military developments. Yang Moo-jin, a former president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, remarked that the missile’s range, which extends approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles), allows them to target the entire Korean Peninsula as well as U.S. military bases stationed in Japan.
Kim’s persistent focus on military enhancement and the showcasing of advanced military technology continue to underscore North Korea’s strategic priorities amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.
