North Korea test-fired two long-range strategic cruise missiles on Sunday, with leader Kim Jong Un expressing satisfaction over verifying the reliability of the country's nuclear deterrent. The launches, conducted over the Yellow Sea, come ahead of the ruling Workers' Party congress early next year and underscore pledges for unlimited nuclear force development.
North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency reported on Monday that the country test-fired two long-range strategic cruise missiles into the sea off its west coast on Sunday. Leader Kim Jong Un expressed "great satisfaction" with the launches, describing them as exercises to "check the reliability and rapid response" of the nuclear deterrent and to "steadily demonstrate their might." He pledged that the ruling party and government would devote all efforts to the "unlimited and sustained development" of the state's nuclear combat force.
The tests occurred ahead of the Workers' Party congress planned for early next year, the first in five years. External observers are watching whether Kim will set new priorities in U.S. relations or respond to Washington's calls for resuming long-dormant talks. Kim framed the launches as a "responsible exercise of the right to self-defense and war deterrence" amid external security threats.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed awareness of several cruise missile launches from the capital region on Sunday morning, stating readiness to repel provocations through the U.S. alliance. U.N. Security Council resolutions ban North Korea's ballistic missile activities but not cruise missile tests. These weapons, however, pose threats to the U.S. and South Korea due to their maneuverability and low-altitude flight to evade radar. Analysts note they could target U.S. warships and carriers in conflict.
Last week, North Korea tested new anti-air missiles off its east coast and displayed photos of a largely completed hull for a developmental nuclear-powered submarine, implying nuclear missile armament. Kim has vowed advanced weapons to counter what he calls U.S.-led threats. Recent alignment with Russia, including troop and equipment support for Ukraine, may yield technology in return. Since the 2019 collapse of nuclear diplomacy with U.S. President Donald Trump, North Korea has focused on arsenal expansion. In September, Kim suggested returning to talks if the U.S. abandons its "delusional obsession with denuclearization," potentially leveraging the enlarged arsenal for concessions.
