Kim Jong Un oversees the launch of a new strategic cruise missile

In a new escalation reflecting Pyongyang's determination to develop its military capabilities, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test launch cruise missile , according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Monday. This test underscores the North Korean regime's continued pursuit of strengthening its deterrent capabilities against what it describes as external threats.

Details of the missile maneuver

Official reports indicate that the test was conducted on Sunday, with Kim Jong Un calling for the "unlimited and sustained" development of his country's nuclear force. The agency stated that the primary objective of the exercise was to review the "counter-offensive response posture" and to test the combat readiness of long-range missile units, ensuring their preparedness for any potential confrontation.

For its part, the South Korean military confirmed that it had detected the launch of several missiles from the Sunan area near the capital Pyongyang, noting that this test was the first of its kind since the beginning of November, indicating an active resumption of the missile testing program.

The strategic importance of cruise missiles

This test is particularly significant given the nature of the weapon used. Unlike ballistic missiles, which fly in high-altitude arcs, cruise missiles by their ability to fly at low altitudes and maneuver to evade radar and air defense systems. Military experts believe that North Korea's focus on this type of missile aims to diversify its offensive options and improve its ability to deliver precision strikes against strategic targets, posing a complex challenge to the missile defense systems of the United States and South Korea.

Regional context and escalating tensions

This test comes at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, particularly with the strengthening of military cooperation between Seoul and Washington. Previous reports had indicated South Korea's efforts to build a nuclear-powered submarine, which analysts considered a strong incentive for Pyongyang to respond by demonstrating its military might. Kim Jong Un affirmed that the ruling party and government would continue to dedicate all efforts to bolstering the nation's nuclear arsenal.

Historical background and international concerns

Since the collapse of the landmark summit between Kim Jong Un and former US President Donald Trump in Hanoi in 2019, which ended without an agreement on denuclearization, North Korea has significantly intensified its missile tests. Pyongyang has since insisted that it will not give up its nuclear weapons, which it considers the only guarantee of the regime's survival.

In a related context, many international observers link the accelerating pace of these tests to reports of growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, as it is believed that some of these tests may be aimed at testing weapons before their possible export to Moscow, which further complicates the international geopolitical landscape.