North Korea conducted a strategic cruise missile launch drill over the West Sea on February 26 under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un, state media reported.
According to the Rodong Sinmun on February 27, the drill aimed to “demonstrate the People’s Army’s counterattack capabilities and the preparedness of various nuclear deployment systems to adversaries that are severely infringing on national security and escalating confrontation.”
The report stated that the strategic cruise missiles flew for 7,961 seconds and 7,973 seconds, following an elliptical trajectory of 1,587 kilometers before precisely striking their designated targets.
Kim Jong-un expressed satisfaction with the results of the test, emphasizing that “continuously testing the reliability and operational readiness of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear deterrence forces, and showcasing their power, is in itself a responsible exercise of war deterrence.”
He further stated that “the most complete form of deterrence and defense is guaranteed by a powerful offensive capability.” He reiterated that ensuring the nation’s sovereignty and security through a reliable nuclear shield remains the core mission and duty of North Korea’s nuclear forces.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
