Kim Jong Un Oversees Strategic Cruise Missile Drill to Test Nuclear Readiness

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised a drill involving long-range strategic cruise missiles on Sunday, aimed at verifying the nation’s nuclear counter-attack capabilities. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the missiles flew for approximately 170 minutes over the West Sea before successfully striking their designated targets. Kim expressed “great satisfaction” with the results, describing the tests as a necessary and responsible exercise to ensure the reliability of the country’s nuclear deterrent in response to mounting regional security threats.

This latest military display is part of a broader surge in activity as North Korea prepares for the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party, scheduled for early 2026. In the past week alone, Kim has also inspected the construction of a massive 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine and overseen the testing of long-range surface-to-air missiles. Beyond military advancements, Kim has been attending the openings of various civilian facilities, such as paper mills and hotels, as the government races to finalize its current “five-year plan” before the major political transition next year.

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South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed they detected multiple missiles launched from the Sunan area near Pyongyang. A spokesperson for the South Korean Defense Ministry condemned the activities, stating they undermine peace and stability on the peninsula. Military analysts suggest the missiles tested are likely upgraded versions capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, designed to bypass traditional air defense systems through low-altitude maneuvers.

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