North Korea announced a missile drill on January 30 aimed at enhancing the Korean People’s Army’s (KPA) strike capabilities amid growing regional tensions.
According to KCNA, this exercise evaluated the KPA’s rapid response and strategic striking power.
The drill involved a strategic cruise missile, indicating nuclear capability. South Korea’s military observed multiple cruise missiles launched into the sea off North Korea’s west coast on Tuesday, aligning with this report.
This test featured the “Hwasal-2” missile, marking Pyongyang’s third cruise missile test in a week. Additionally, KCNA reported that leader Kim Jong-Un oversaw the Pulhwasal-3-31 strategic missile launch from a submarine in the East Sea on Monday. These missiles reportedly hit their targets, though details were limited.
Kim Jong-Un expressed satisfaction with these launches, claiming they posed no threat to neighbouring countries or regional stability. The Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles remained airborne for over 7,400 seconds each, though their range remains unspecified.
Wednesday’s test introduced a new strategic cruise missile, fired multiple times towards the Yellow Sea. The extent of North Korea’s sea-based launch capabilities, often conducted from older vessels or submerged platforms, is still unclear.
