North Korea’s Kim oversees test launch of long-range cruise missiles as the country accelerates military preparations ahead of a major ruling party congress scheduled for early 2026.
North Korean state media said leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the launch, describing it as a strategic demonstration of the country’s expanding nuclear deterrent capabilities.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, the long-range cruise missiles flew along a preset trajectory before striking designated targets in waters west of the Korean Peninsula.
KCNA reported that Kim expressed satisfaction with the launch results, stating the test confirmed operational reliability and rapid-response readiness of strategic weapons systems.
Kim said the repeated testing of nuclear-capable systems was a “responsible exercise” given what he described as escalating external security threats facing the country.
He added that Pyongyang would devote “all efforts” to the unlimited and sustained development of its nuclear combat forces, reinforcing longstanding policy positions.
The missile launch took place on Sunday, marking another high-profile military event attended by Kim during an unusually active period of inspections and public appearances.
Observers say the intensified schedule highlights North Korea’s desire to showcase military progress before the Workers’ Party of Korea congress expected early next year.
That meeting is expected to set North Korea’s political, economic and military direction for the next five-year development plan.
KCNA did not disclose the exact launch location, a common practice in North Korean military reporting aimed at limiting external intelligence assessments.
South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported that Seoul’s military detected multiple missile launches from the Sunan area near Pyongyang early Sunday morning.
South Korean officials warned that further missile tests could occur before the end of the year, amid heightened regional security concerns.
A South Korean military official, speaking anonymously, said surveillance assets were closely monitoring additional signs of North Korean launch preparations.
The latest test follows a series of weapons demonstrations that Pyongyang says are defensive responses to joint US–South Korea military exercises.
North Korea has repeatedly condemned those drills, describing them as rehearsals for invasion and regime change.
During the missile launch event, Kim emphasized the importance of maintaining readiness across all components of the nuclear deterrence system.
He said ensuring constant reliability was essential in what he called an increasingly unstable international security environment.
Separately, KCNA reported that Kim recently inspected construction of an 8,700-tonne nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine.
The report marked the first time state media released clearer images of the submarine since partial photographs were shown earlier this year.
Kim reportedly warned that South Korea’s plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines posed a direct threat to North Korea’s national security.
He said Pyongyang would respond decisively to any actions undermining strategic balance on the Korean Peninsula.
During that inspection, Kim was accompanied by his daughter, who analysts believe may be being prepared for a future leadership role.
State media images showed Kim overseeing the test-firing of long-range surface-to-air missiles during the same visit.
Analysts say highlighting multiple weapons systems underscores Pyongyang’s emphasis on diversified military capabilities.
Over the past month, Kim has attended openings of factories, industrial facilities and tourism projects across the country.
These appearances coincide with efforts to complete goals under the current five-year development plan.
North Korea is expected to use the upcoming party congress to frame economic self-reliance alongside military expansion.
International attention has also focused on Pyongyang’s growing ties with Moscow amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
North Korea has reportedly provided troops and military assistance to Russia, receiving economic and technological support in return.
Analysts believe that cooperation has emboldened Kim to advance weapons development despite international sanctions.
Last November, North Korea conducted a ballistic missile test shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed interest in meeting Kim.
Pyongyang did not respond publicly to the proposal, continuing its pattern of strategic ambiguity toward Washington.
That missile test followed US approval of South Korea’s plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines.
Since the collapse of Kim’s 2019 summit with Trump, North Korea has declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear state.
Diplomatic talks on denuclearisation have remained stalled, with Pyongyang rejecting sanctions relief offers tied to weapons limits.
Regional analysts warn that continued testing increases the risk of miscalculation between rival military forces.
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However, North Korea insists its actions are defensive and aimed at preserving sovereignty and deterrence.
As the party congress approaches, further demonstrations of military strength are widely expected by regional observers.
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