North Korea tests submarine-launched cruise missiles

North Korea’s official media reported that Pyongyang tested two types of strategic submarine-launched cruise missiles on Wednesday. The exercises aimed to evaluate the operational capabilities of its naval forces and verify the readiness status of its war deterrent means.

Naval deterrence assessment

The Korean Central News Agency stated that senior military officials supervised the launches, which took place at sea off the eastern coast of North Korea. The agency did not provide further technical details regarding the specific missiles or the launch operations themselves.

State media noted only that the testing activities had no negative impact on the security of neighboring countries. This statement accompanied the announcement of the successful completion of the drills.

Kim Jong Un priorities

North Korea continues advancing the development of modern missile submarines, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. The regime conducts launch experiments from various platforms, including an older submarine currently in service.

It is believed that a fully operational modern missile submarine has not yet been launched by the country. Achieving this capability remains a top military priority for leader Kim Jong Un, who oversees the development of a strategically significant arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles.