North Korea Conducts Test Of A New Cruise Missile
North Korea conducts test of a new cruise missile, according to state media. On Thursday, North Korea announced the completion of its inaugural flight test for the new cruise missile, showcasing an expansion of its military capabilities amidst escalating tensions with the United States and neighboring countries.
Author:Elisa MuellerReviewer:Camilo WoodJan 25, 202418.6K Shares255.5K Views
North Korea conducts test of a new cruise missile, according to state media. On Thursday, North Korea announced the completion of its inaugural flight test for the new cruise missile, showcasing an expansion of its military capabilities amidst escalating tensions with the United States and neighboring countries.
The state media's disclosure followed a statement from South Korea's military a day earlier, reporting the North's launch of several cruise missiles into waters off its western coast. Specifics regarding the number of missiles and their flight characteristics were not immediately provided.
According to the official Korean Central News Agency, the Pulhwasal-3-31 missile is currently in its developmental phase, and the launch is asserted not to pose a threat to neighboring nations. The description of the missile as "strategic" suggests an eventual intention to equip it with nuclear capabilities.
Lee Sung Joon, the spokesperson for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, has noted that recent North Korean cruise missile launches covered a shorter distance compared to previous ones, indicating the nation's efforts to enhance the performance of existing systems.
These missile launches represent North Korea's second known event this year, following a test on January 14 involving the country's inaugural solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile. This development underscores North Korea's focus on advancing its weaponry aimed at U.S. military installations in Japan and Guam.
According to Yang Uk, an analyst at Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies, North Korea is strategically showcasing a diversified array of nuclear-capable weapons to exert pressure on its rivals. Interestingly, there has been a slowdown in tests for short-range ballistic missiles, which Yang suggests could be indicative of inventory shortages resulting from North Korea's alleged arms transfers to Russia.
U.S. and South Korean officials have accused North Korea of supplying artillery shells, missiles, and other resources to Russia for its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. This exchange may involve considerations of economic assistance and military technology.
Kim, who engaged in a summit with Putin at a Russian space launch center in September, has been actively pursuing stronger ties with Moscow in an attempt to overcome isolation and forge a united front against Washington.
Both Pyongyang and Moscow have refuted claims that North Korea is involved in the shipment of weapons to Russia.
North Korea's cruise missiles contribute to its expanding arsenal aimed at overcoming missile defenses in South Korea and Japan. These weapons complement the country's extensive array of ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles designed to target the U.S. mainland.
Although North Korean cruise missile activities are not explicitly prohibited under U.N. sanctions, experts emphasize that these weapons pose a substantial threat to South Korea and Japan. Designed to be less detectable by radar, North Korea asserts that these cruise missiles are nuclear-capable, with a range of up to 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles), encompassing U.S. military bases in Japan.
Since 2021, North Korea has conducted at least 10 rounds of tests involving what it claims are long-range cruise missiles, launched from both land and sea.
Recent months have witnessed escalating tensions in the region as Kim accelerates his weapons development and issues provocative nuclear conflict threats against the United States and its Asian allies. In response, the United States, South Korea, and Japan have expanded their joint military exercises, actions that Kim denounces as invasion rehearsals and uses as a pretext to escalate military demonstrations.
Concerns are rising that Kim may intensify pressure, particularly in an election year in both the United States and South Korea. Experts and officials in South Korea claim that Kim's pursuit of weapons is adding to the strain on a struggling economy already suffering from decades of poor management and U.S.-led sanctions.
In a separate report, KCNA stated that during a two-day ruling party meeting held through Wednesday, Kim criticized officials for inadequately providing "basic living necessities, including condiments, foodstuffs, and consumption goods," to people in the countryside and less developed cities and towns.
Kim convened the meeting to discuss a 10-year project he announced last week, focusing on promoting more balanced regional development, including the ambitious goal of constructing modern factories in every county nationwide.
Satellite imagery indicates that North Korea has dismantled a significant arch in its capital, a symbolic structure representing reconciliation with South Korea. This action follows Kim's recent dismissal of decades-long hopes for peaceful reunification with the war-divided Korean Peninsula's south.
Kim, last week, referred to the monument in Pyongyang as an "eyesore" and called for its removal, concurrently announcing the abandonment of longstanding aspirations for peaceful unification with South Korea. He directed a revision of North Korea's constitution to designate the South as its most hostile foreign adversary. Accusing South Korea of being "top-class stooges" of the Americans, Kim reiterated the threat to use nuclear weapons to annihilate the South if provoked.
Conclusion
Analysts speculate that North Korea's actions may be aimed at diminishing South Korea's influence in the regional nuclear standoff, potentially seeking direct negotiations with Washington to solidify its nuclear status.
Jump to
Elisa Mueller
Author
Elisa Mueller, a Kansas City native, grew up surrounded by the wonders of books and movies, inspired by her parents' passion for education and film.
She earned bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Kansas before moving to New York City, where she spent a decade at Entertainment Weekly, visiting film sets worldwide.
With over 8 years in the entertainment industry, Elisa is a seasoned journalist and media analyst, holding a degree in Journalism from NYU. Her insightful critiques have been featured in prestigious publications, cementing her reputation for accuracy and depth.
Outside of work, she enjoys attending film festivals, painting, writing fiction, and studying numerology.
Camilo Wood
Reviewer
Camilo Wood has over two decades of experience as a writer and journalist, specializing in finance and economics. With a degree in Economics and a background in financial research and analysis, Camilo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his writing.
Throughout his career, Camilo has contributed to numerous publications, covering a wide range of topics such as global economic trends, investment strategies, and market analysis. His articles are recognized for their insightful analysis and clear explanations, making complex financial concepts accessible to readers.
Camilo's experience includes working in roles related to financial reporting, analysis, and commentary, allowing him to provide readers with accurate and trustworthy information. His dedication to journalistic integrity and commitment to delivering high-quality content make him a trusted voice in the fields of finance and journalism.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles