North Korea Conducts Strategic Cruise Missile Launch Drill on 26th... Kim Jong-un Observes

On the 26th, North Korea conducted a strategic cruise missile launch drill in the West Sea under the observation of Chairman Kim Jong Un, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 28th.

Yonhap News

According to the report, the launched missiles are presumed to be multiple 'strategic cruise missiles.' The Korean Central News Agency also stated that the launched missiles flew along an elliptical trajectory of 1,587 km for 7,961 seconds and 7,973 seconds respectively before hitting their targets accurately.

Chairman Kim evaluated the results of the launch drill, saying, "Continuously testing the reliability and operability of the components of nuclear deterrence and demonstrating their power itself is a responsible exercise of war deterrence."

He added, "The most complete deterrence and defense power is guaranteed by strong offensive capability," and emphasized, "Equipping a more thorough wartime posture of nuclear forces and being fully prepared for their use to permanently protect the nation's sovereignty and security with a reliable nuclear shield is the responsible mission and duty entrusted to the Republic's nuclear forces."

Meanwhile, North Korea previously conducted a test launch of a sea (underwater)-to-ground strategic cruise missile on the 26th of last month. At that time, the test launch was the first weapons system test since Donald Trump assumed the presidency of the United States.