North Korea fires long-range cruise missiles as Kim Jong Un has ‘great satisfaction’ amid WW3 fears

Days after North Korea showed progress on its first nuclear-powered submarine, the country has launched long-range strategic cruise missiles into the sea amid fears it could target US ships

North Korea has launched long-range strategic cruise missiles into the sea in a test of the country’s nuclear deterrence capabilities, just days after revealing progress on its first nuclear-powered submarine, according to the Associated Press.

The missile launches took place off the west coast of the country on Sunday, December 28, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency.

Leader Kim Jong Un was present at the launch and expressed “great satisfaction” over the successful tests, reports the Express.

Kim stated that testing the reliability of the country’s nuclear deterrence and demonstrating its power are “just a responsible exercise of the right to self-defence and war deterrence”.

Despite U.N. Security Council resolutions prohibiting North Korea from conducting launches involving its vast stockpile of ballistic missiles, the country’s cruise missile tests are not banned. However, they do pose a threat to the US and South Korea due to their high manoeuvrability and ability to fly at low altitudes to evade radar detection.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed it was aware of the several cruise missile launches. It added that the country maintains readiness to counter potential provocations from its neighbour through its alliance with the United States.

Analysts suggest that North Korea would likely use cruise missiles to target U.S. warships and aircraft carriers in the event of conflict, amid rising political tensions and fears of a global war.

North Korea recently tested new anti-air missiles off its east coast, according to reports last week. AP reported that photographs revealed a largely completed hull of a developmental nuclear-powered submarine, with North Korea suggesting it would equip the submarine with nuclear missiles.

A nuclear-powered submarine is among several advanced weapons systems that Kim has pledged to introduce in response to what he perceives as U.S.-led security threats.

Some experts suggest that North Korea’s alliance with Russia may have enabled it to acquire technologies in return. The country has dispatched thousands of troops and military equipment to Russia to back President Vladimir Putin’s conflict in Ukraine.

Since the breakdown of Kim’s nuclear diplomacy with U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019, the country has concentrated on weapons-testing activities to expand its nuclear arsenal. In September, Kim hinted at a possible return to negotiations if the U.S. abandons “its delusional obsession with denuclearisation” of North Korea.

Experts believe that Kim might consider his expanded nuclear arsenal as providing him with increased leverage to extract concessions in potential discussions with Trump.

The authenticity of the images provided by the Korean Central News Agency via AP could not be confirmed.

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