North Korea conducted a test of its nuclear deterrence capabilities by launching long-range strategic cruise missiles into the sea off its west coast on December 29, as reported by the official Korean Central News Agency.
The missile launches, witnessed by Kim Jong Un, occurred shortly after the country announced progress in building its first nuclear-powered submarine. The North Korean leader expressed “great satisfaction” with the tests, asserting that they were essential exercises for self-defense and deterring external security threats.
In response, South Korea, in alliance with the United States, affirmed its preparedness to counter any provocations from North Korea. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed multiple cruise missile launches from North Korea’s capital region on Sunday morning.
Despite U.N Security Council restrictions on its ballistic missile arsenal, North Korea is allowed to conduct missile tests. These tests, though legal, remain concerning to the U.S. and South Korea due to the missiles’ high maneuverability and low-altitude flight patterns that evade radar detection.
Experts suggest that North Korea’s cruise missiles could potentially target U.S. warships and aircraft carriers in a conflict scenario. This recent test follows the country’s previous launch of anti-air missiles and the unveiling of a nearly finished nuclear-powered submarine.
North Korea hinted at arming the submarine with nuclear missiles, showcasing its commitment to enhancing its defensive capabilities against perceived U.S. threats. Speculations suggest that North Korea may have gained advanced technologies through its growing ties with Russia, leading to an escalation in weapons demonstrations ahead of an upcoming Workers’ Party congress.
Since the breakdown of nuclear talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019, North Korea has intensified its weapons testing efforts to bolster its nuclear arsenal. Kim Jong Un signaled a willingness to engage in dialogue again in September, provided the U.S. abandons its insistence on denuclearizing North Korea.