North Korea Conducts Test Launch of Long-Range Cruise Missiles

North Korean Leader Calls for Continued Development of Nuclear Forces Ahead of Party Congress

North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has urged the “unlimited and sustained” development of his country’s nuclear combat forces, according to state media reports. The statement was made during a test launch of long-range strategic cruise missiles on Sunday, which flew along their orbit before hitting their target.

The launch took place in an area west of the Korean Peninsula, but the exact location has not been specified by North Korean authorities. South Korea’s military detected the launch from the Sunan area near Pyongyang and warned that North Korea may conduct additional missile tests at the end of the year.

Kim expressed satisfaction with the test launch, stating that it was a “responsible exercise” to check the reliability and rapid response of his country’s nuclear deterrent components. He also reaffirmed that North Korea would continue to devote efforts to the development of its state nuclear combat force.

In addition to the missile launch, Kim inspected an 8,700-tonne nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine under construction. The KCNA reported that Kim warned South Korea’s plan to build nuclear-powered submarines would be a threat to North Korea’s security that must be countered.

The comments come ahead of a key party congress expected to take place in early 2026, which will set a development plan for North Korea for the next five years.

Source: Al Jazeera