North Korea Conducts Strategic Cruise Missile Launch Drill

Pyongyang, December 30. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) successfully conducted a universal strategic cruise missile launch drill yesterday, Monday. According to a detailed statement published by KCNA on Monday, this drill was overseen by the country’s top leader, Kim Jong Un.

The official news agency stated that this launch drill was carried out in response to recent serious changes in the country’s strategic security environment and the unstable military frenzy of hostile forces, including South Korea. KCNA reported that the main objective of this exercise is to further strengthen the country’s continuous war deterrence capability and decisive retaliatory capability.

The launch drill utilized long-range supersonic strategic cruise missiles, which serve as evidence of Pyongyang’s scientific and technological capabilities. The news agency claimed that the missiles successfully struck a target warehouse in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) after flying along a predetermined aerial path.

KCNA explained that this drill has further enhanced the 24-hour readiness of the country’s strategic armed forces, the complete accuracy of tactical strikes, and the reliability of the country’s security apparatus. The news agency mentioned that Leader Kim Jong Un indicated that this success marks the beginning of a new phase in strengthening the country’s national defense.

This incident has become a matter of concern for the international community, particularly South Korea and the United States of America. North Korea has been expanding its missile and nuclear programs, which has increased tensions in regional security. This drill has further escalated the tense military activities witnessed in recent months.

United Nations Security Council resolutions prohibit long-range ballistic missile tests by North Korea; however, the ban on cruise missile launches is not entirely explicit. Nevertheless, the United States and other countries in the Korean Peninsula region consider such tests as prohibited military activities.

South Korea and Japan have objected, stating that such tests are harmful and unacceptable for regional peace and stability. North Korea, however, has consistently reiterated that this drill is of a self-defensive nature.