North Korea conducted a strategic cruise missile test on Saturday, as reported by state media KCNA on Sunday. The test, overseen by the country's leader Kim Jong Un, involved underwater-to-surface missiles traveling a distance of 1,500 kilometers. This missile test, described as a trial of an "important weapon system," adds to the growing tension in the region.
The missiles flew for between 7,507 and 7,511 seconds before successfully hitting their targets. Multiple cruise missiles were launched from inland areas towards waters off the west coast of North Korea at approximately 4 p.m. local time (0700 GMT) on Saturday. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the occurrence of the test in an official statement.
The timing of this missile test coincides with remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed intentions to reach out to Kim Jong Un once more after establishing a working relationship during his first term. North Korea's recent military activities underscore its commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities. Kim Jong Un emphasized the need for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to perfect its war deterrence measures more thoroughly.
"Kim Jong Un affirmed that the DPRK will always make strenuous efforts… to perform its important mission and duty for defending sustainable and lasting peace and stability on the basis of more powerfully developed military muscle in the future." – Kim Jong Un
The missile test follows a period of heightened military activities by North Korea. Earlier this month, state media reported a successful test of a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile (IRBM), also overseen by Kim. This test served as both a demonstration of North Korea's expanding military capabilities and a warning to the international community.
North Korea's foreign ministry has vowed the "toughest counteraction" against the United States for what it perceives as encroachments on its sovereignty. The ongoing military alliance and joint exercises between South Korea and the U.S. are reportedly fueling tensions in the region. Kim Jong Un has vowed to persist in efforts to bolster North Korea's military strength.