North Korea confirmed on Wednesday that it conducted a strategic cruise missile test in the West Sea, overseen by Kim Jong Un, the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the missile unit of the Korean People’s Army’s Western Region conducted the exercise on Wednesday morning in the waters off North Korea’s west coast.
State media explained that the test aimed to showcase the Korean People’s Army’s ability to counterattack adversaries threatening the nation’s security. The exercise also aimed to highlight North Korea’s readiness for nuclear operations and demonstrate the reliability of its nuclear deterrent, all while training strategic cruise missile units for rapid response missions.
The test missiles reportedly flew along an elliptical trajectory for 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 41 seconds (7,961 seconds) and 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 53 seconds (7,973 seconds), covering a distance of 1,587 kilometers (about 986 miles) and successfully striking their targets. Kim Jong Un is said to have expressed satisfaction with the results.
“Consistently testing and proving the reliability and effectiveness of our nuclear deterrent is a responsible way to exercise war deterrence,” Kim said.
“Strong offensive capabilities provide the most effective deterrence and defense. Our nuclear forces are duty-bound to permanently protect the nation’s sovereignty and security with a dependable nuclear shield by maintaining high combat readiness and being fully prepared to use these weapons when necessary,” he added.