North Korea test-fires long-range cruise missiles, state media reports

North Korea test-fired two strategic long-range cruise missiles into the sea, state media reported on Monday, in an exercise overseen by leader Kim Jong Un.

The drill took place on Sunday over the Yellow Sea and was aimed at assessing the “counter-offensive response posture and combat capability of long-range missile sub-units,” according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim used the occasion to call for the “unlimited and sustained” development of the country’s nuclear weapons forces.

South Korea’s military said it detected the launch of multiple missiles from the Sunan area near Pyongyang, Yonhap news agency reported. The test appeared to be North Korea’s first long-range cruise missile launch since early November.

The launch follows a ballistic missile test conducted on November 6, shortly after US President Donald Trump, during a regional tour, expressed interest in meeting Kim—an overture that drew no response from Pyongyang. Around the same time, Trump approved South Korea’s plan to build a nuclear-powered submarine, a move analysts say is likely to provoke a strong reaction from North Korea.

Pyongyang has sharply increased missile testing in recent years, with analysts saying the campaign is aimed at improving precision-strike capabilities, deterring the United States and South Korea, and testing weapons that could potentially be exported to Russia.

Since Kim’s 2019 summit with Trump collapsed over disagreements on denuclearization and sanctions relief, North Korea has repeatedly declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear state. Kim has also appeared emboldened by the war in Ukraine, strengthening ties with Moscow after sending thousands of troops to support Russian forces.