This photo provided by the North Korean government, shows what it says a test of a long-range strategic cruise missile in the Yellow Sea off North Korea. (Photo: AP)
North Korea said it fired long-range strategic cruise missiles into the sea to test what it called its nuclear deterrence, days after showing progress in building its first nuclear-powered submarine.
The official Korean Central News Agency said the launches took place off North Korea’s west coast on Sunday and were observed by leader Kim Jong Un.
According to KCNA, Kim expressed “great satisfaction” with the test and said that checking the reliability of the country’s nuclear deterrence and showing its strength was “a responsible exercise of the right to self-defence and war deterrence” in response to external security threats.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected several cruise missile launches from the area around North Korea’s capital on Sunday morning. It said South Korea remains ready to respond to any North Korean actions through its security alliance with the United States.
UN Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from launching ballistic missiles, but cruise missile tests are not prohibited. However, AP reported that such weapons still pose a risk to the United States and South Korea because they can fly at low altitude and are highly manoeuvrable. Analysts say North Korea could seek to use cruise missiles to target US warships and aircraft carriers in a conflict.
The launch was the latest in a series of recent weapons activities. Last week, North Korea tested new anti-air missiles off its east coast and released photos of what appeared to be a largely completed hull of a nuclear-powered submarine under development. North Korea has suggested the submarine would carry nuclear missiles.
A nuclear-powered submarine is one of several new weapons systems that Kim has said North Korea aims to develop to counter what he describes as US-led security threats. Some experts say North Korea’s closer ties with Russia may have helped it gain technology in return for supplying troops and equipment to support Moscow in the war in Ukraine. Observers say North Korea may step up weapons tests ahead of a planned ruling Workers’ Party congress early next year.
North Korea has increased weapons development since nuclear talks with US President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019. In September, Kim said he could consider a return to talks if the United States dropped what he called its “delusional obsession with denuclearisation”. Experts told AP that Kim may believe a larger nuclear arsenal gives him more leverage in any future negotiations.