North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a new series of ballistic tests involving cruise missiles and anti-ship projectiles launched from the destroyer ‘Choe Hyon’ on Tuesday.
State-run news agency KCNA confirmed the launch of two strategic cruise missiles and a total of three anti-ship missiles. North Korean authorities described the operation as a demonstration of "operational efficiency."
During the exercise, Kim emphasized that Pyongyang’s priority is to "boost its nuclear containment capabilities without any limits." He noted that the military's preparation for strategic action has strengthened qualitatively.
Kim urged the military to improve its ability to respond to potential attacks and scenarios involving nuclear warfare. This follows similar cruise missile tests conducted by the country in March.
South Korean military response
The South Korean military reported detecting the launches from the Yellow Sea. Analysts indicate the projectiles were fired off the coast of Nampo, in South Pyongyang province.
South Korean officials stated that the United States and South Korea are monitoring North Korean military movements through a combined defense posture. The alliance aims to maintain the capacity to respond to any provocation.
This latest test follows a missile launch reported just five days ago. That previous test featured a tactical missile equipped with a cluster bomb warhead and electromagnetic weaponry.
General Kim Jong Sik, a member of the Workers' Party Central Military Commission, supervised that earlier launch. He described electromagnetic weapons as "special strategic assets" that must be integrated into various military platforms.
