North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of long-range strategic cruise missiles on Sunday, highlighting the country’s nuclear capabilities and readiness for counter-attacks amid perceived security threats, state media KCNA reported on Monday.
The launch comes as part of a series of high-profile events attended by Kim, aimed at showcasing North Korea’s military and economic progress ahead of a key ruling party congress expected in early 2026.
Kim expressed “great satisfaction” as the missiles flew over the sea west of the Korean Peninsula and successfully hit their targets. KCNA quoted him saying that “checking the reliability and rapid response of the components of the DPRK’s nuclear deterrent on a regular basis … is just a responsible exercise” in the face of various security threats. He reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to the “unlimited” development of its nuclear combat force.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed detecting the launch of multiple cruise missiles around 8 a.m. on Sunday (2300 GMT Saturday) from the Sunan area near Pyongyang.
A South Korean defence ministry spokesperson called the recent series of North Korean military activities — including the ongoing construction of a nuclear-powered submarine — “actions that undermine peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.”
Sunday’s missile launch follows KCNA reports last week that Kim observed the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine alongside his daughter, a potential successor, and oversaw the test-firing of long-range surface-to-air missiles. Yonhap news agency reported that North Korea could conduct additional missile tests around New Year’s Day, though South Korea’s military declined to comment on the possibility.
Hong Min, a North Korea expert at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, said Sunday’s launch likely tested upgraded cruise missiles capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.
In addition to military activities, Kim attended the opening of a paper mill on Sunday. Over the past month, he has presided over multiple facility openings, including factories and hotels, as North Korea moves to complete its current five-year development plan ahead of the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea in early 2026.
