North Korea has test‑fired two strategic long‑range cruise missiles into the sea, state media reported Monday, marking the country’s first such launch since early November. According to KCNA, leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw Sunday’s drill over the Yellow Sea and urged the “unlimited and sustained” development of the nation’s nuclear weapons program.
South Korea’s military confirmed it detected multiple missile launches from the Sunan area near Pyongyang, Yonhap reported. KCNA said the purpose of the exercise was to assess the counter‑offensive posture and combat readiness of long‑range missile units.
Kim reiterated that both the government and ruling party would continue to devote “all their efforts” to strengthening North Korea’s nuclear combat force.
Context and Escalation
The launch follows a ballistic missile test on November 6, conducted shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed interest in meeting Kim during a regional tour. Pyongyang did not respond to the offer.
At the time, Trump had approved South Korea’s plan to build a nuclear‑powered submarine, a move analysts say could provoke a strong reaction from the North.
North Korea has sharply increased missile testing in recent years. Analysts believe the strategy aims to:
- Improve precision‑strike capabilities
- Challenge the United States and South Korea
- Test weapons that could potentially be exported to Russia
Since the collapse of the 2019 Trump‑Kim summit over sanctions and denuclearization terms, Pyongyang has repeatedly declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear state. Kim has also strengthened ties with Moscow, sending thousands of troops to support Russian forces in the war in Ukraine, securing political and military backing in return.
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