North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has personally supervised the launch of long-range strategic cruise missiles, underscoring Pyongyang’s determination to expand its nuclear arsenal as the country prepares for a major political gathering in early 2026.
The test, conducted on Sunday and reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) the following day, involved missiles flying over waters west of the Korean Peninsula before striking their intended targets.
KCNA quoted Kim as saying that “checking the reliability and rapid response of the components of [North Korea’s] nuclear deterrent on a regular basis … [is] just a responsible exercise,” adding that the country faced “various security threats”.
South Korea’s military confirmed that multiple projectiles were launched from the Sunan area near Pyongyang. Officials in Seoul warned that further missile tests could follow before the year’s end, reflecting heightened tensions across the peninsula.
The launch is part of a series of high-profile appearances by Kim, who has been showcasing both military and economic achievements ahead of the ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, scheduled for early 2026. The congress will set the country’s next five-year development plan.
In a separate development last week, Kim inspected an 8,700-tonne nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine under construction. State media released images of the vessel, marking the first time such visuals had been made public since March.
During the visit, Kim warned that South Korea’s pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines, backed by the United States, represented a “grave threat that must be countered.” He was accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who has increasingly appeared at official events, fuelling speculation about succession planning.
The submarine project is seen as part of Pyongyang’s broader effort to strengthen its naval capabilities and enhance what analysts describe as a potential “second-strike” nuclear capability. Some experts in Seoul have suggested that Russia may be providing technical assistance, given the rapid progress North Korea claims to have achieved.
Kim’s recent activities also include overseeing the test-firing of long-range surface-to-air missiles and attending openings of factories and hotels, signalling a dual focus on military readiness and domestic development. These events highlight Pyongyang’s attempt to project resilience despite international sanctions and economic challenges.
Since the collapse of Kim’s 2019 summit with US President Donald Trump, North Korea has repeatedly declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear state. The country’s stance has hardened further in the wake of Russia’s war in Ukraine, with Pyongyang reportedly sending troops to support Moscow in exchange for political backing.
The latest missile test underscores North Korea’s intent to maintain pressure on regional rivals while reinforcing its nuclear deterrent. With the Workers’ Party congress approaching, Kim appears determined to showcase strength both at home and abroad, setting the stage for another period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty in East Asia.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters, The Asia Live, KCNA
