On Thursday, state media reported that North Korea tested two “long-range strategic cruise missiles” in the presence of leader Kim Jong Un, adding that they are designed to carry tactical nuclear weapons.
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In recent weeks, Kim Jong Un has overseen a series of ballistic missile launches, which Pyongyang has described as tactical nuclear exercises simulating the destruction of South Korea’s airports and military facilities.
The North Korean news agency said Thursday that the launch of two cruise missiles, on Wednesday, is aimed at enhancing the combat effectiveness of these weapons, which have been “deployed in units of the Korean People’s Army to operate tactical nuclear weapons.” .
The two projectiles, which flew at altitudes much lower than ballistic missiles, traveled 2,000 km above the Yellow Sea before reaching their target, the Korean Central News Agency said.
North leader Kim Jong Un expressed his “great satisfaction” with the results of the tests, which are intended to show that the nuclear combat forces are “preparing for a real war” and send a “clear warning to the enemies,” according to the Central News Agency.
With talks stalled for an extended period and the conflict in Ukraine preventing the United Nations from adopting new sanctions, Kim has stepped up efforts to develop and test his banned nuclear arsenal.
Both Seoul and Washington have warned for months of the dangers of Pyongyang conducting a nuclear test, which would be North Korea’s seventh.
On Thursday, the KCNA added that the leader said North Korea “will focus all its efforts on the continuous and accelerated development of the national combat nuclear armed forces.”
The UN does not ban cruise missile tests, unlike ballistic missile launches generally reported by South Korea and Japan. Neither country reported Wednesday’s trial.
Kim Jong-un made acquiring tactical nuclear weapons – smaller, lighter weapons designed for battlefield use – a top priority at the main party conference in January 2021.
This year, he promised to develop North Korea’s nuclear forces as soon as possible.
“This latest test means that North Korea is operating a tactical nuclear capability on cruise missiles, which are difficult to detect due to their low altitude,” Hong Min of the Korea Institute told AFP.
“It is a testament to Pyongyang’s ability to launch nuclear warheads,” he added, noting that cruise missiles can also have erratic flight paths, making them more difficult to intercept.
