North Korea tests missiles as Kim Jong Un ‘satisfied’ | World | News
North Korea fired long-range strategic cruise missiles into the sea in an attempt to test the country’s nuclear deterrent.
The test came just days after progress was seen on the first nuclear-powered submarine, the Associated Press reported.
The Korean Central News Agency said the missile launches took place off the country’s west coast on Sunday, December 28.
Leader Kim Jong Un was on layoffs and the country’s official news agency said he expressed “great satisfaction” with the launches.
Kim stated that testing the reliability of the country’s nuclear deterrent and demonstrating its strength is “simply a responsible exercise of the right to self-defense and war deterrence.”
U.N. Security Council resolutions ban North Korea’s launches, which include its large stockpile of ballistic missiles.
The country’s cruise missile tests have not been banned, but they pose a threat to the United States and South Korea. They are highly maneuverable and fly at low altitudes to avoid radar detection.
South Korean Chief of General Staff said that they were aware of the launch of many cruise missiles. He added that the country is ready to repel possible provocations from its neighbor through its alliance with the United States.
Analysts say North Korea will aim to use cruise missiles to hit US warships and aircraft carriers in the event of conflict.
North Korea tested new air defense missiles off its east coast last week. The photos show the largely completed hull of the nuclear-powered nuclear submarine and imply that North Korea will arm the submarine with nuclear missiles, the AP reported.
The nuclear-powered submarine is one of several advanced weapons systems that Kim has said he will introduce to deal with what he describes as U.S.-led security threats.
Some experts say North Korea’s alignment with Russia could help it get technology in return. The country has sent thousands of soldiers and military equipment to Russia to support President Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine conflict.
The country has focused on weapons testing activities to expand its nuclear arsenal since Kim’s nuclear diplomacy with the US President Donald Trump It collapsed in 2019. Kim suggested in September that he could return to talks if the United States abandoned its imaginary obsession with denuclearizing North Korea.
Experts say Kim may think his expanded nuclear arsenal will give him more leverage in making concessions in possible talks with Trump.
Images provided by the Korean Central News Agency via the AP could not be verified.
