The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted a strategic cruise missile test on Saturday, state media outlet KCNA reported on Sunday. Leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test, which was described as a trial of an “important weapon system.”
The underwater-to-surface strategic cruise missiles traveled approximately 1,500 kilometers and successfully hit their designated targets after flying for around 7,500 seconds, according to KCNA.
In a separate statement on Sunday, the DPRK’s Foreign Ministry vowed the “toughest counteraction” against the United States as long as Washington continues to challenge Pyongyang’s sovereignty. The ministry attributed the rising tensions in the region to the military alliance and joint exercises between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the U.S.
Kim Jong Un emphasized that the DPRK’s war deterrence capabilities are being “perfected more thoroughly” and pledged to continue strengthening the nation’s military. “We will always make strenuous efforts to defend sustainable and lasting peace and stability on the basis of more powerfully developed military muscle,” Kim was quoted as saying.
The missile test is part of the DPRK’s ongoing efforts to bolster its national defense capabilities in response to what it perceives as potential threats, aligning with the changing security circumstances in the region.
Earlier this month, DPRK state media also reported that Kim oversaw a successful test of a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile.
Reference(s):
DPRK fires strategic cruise missiles, vows tough stance on U.S.
cgtn.com
