Conflicts: North Korea claims to have tested cruise missiles again

According to North Korea, it has tested a military guided missile for the second time in just a few days to expand the country’s nuclear power. Two “newly developed, submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles” of the type “Pulhwasal-3-31” were shot down on Sunday under the instructions of ruler Kim Jong Un, the state-controlled media reported. The largely isolated North Korea is subject to international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons and missile programs.

Kim’s course to broaden nuclear deterrence is being carried out as planned, the reports said. The Navy’s nuclear armament is also accelerating. The cruise missiles hit their target on an island in the sea between the Korean peninsula and Japan. How far they flew remained unclear.

South Korea’s military recorded the launch of the cruise missile on Sunday. However, it was unclear whether they were fired from a submarine or perhaps from a platform in the water. North Korea said it had tested the same weapon for the first time last Wednesday.

Strategic cruise missiles

In addition to nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, North Korea has also repeatedly tested cruise missiles in recent years, which it described as strategic. This indicates the intention to equip them with nuclear weapons. In contrast to ballistic missiles, tests of cruise missiles are not directly affected by the UN ban decisions against the country. Unlike ballistic missiles, guided missiles have their own permanent propulsion.

North Korea, which views the USA and South Korea in particular as enemy states, has been pushing ahead with the development of nuclear weapons and their means of delivery for years. As state media reported, Kim also learned about details of the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine on Sunday.