North Korea Tests Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile, Kim Jong Un Oversaw Activity

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the testing of new cruise missiles intended for submarine launch. He also assessed the progress of constructing a nuclear-powered submarine, emphasizing his objective of establishing a nuclear-armed navy to counter perceived external threats.

Just one day after South Korea's military reported detecting North Korea firing multiple cruise missiles near the eastern port of Sinpo, where the North is developing submarines, a new report has emerged.

Kim Jong Un Observes North Korea's New Missile Launch

(Photo : RENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attends a meeting with US President Donald Trump on the south side of the Military Demarcation Line that divides North and South Korea, in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) on June 30, 2019.

In a series of recent events, North Korea has been showcasing its stockpile of weapons, further escalating the already tense situation with the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

The official newspaper of North Korea, Rodong Sinmun, recently released photos showing the launch of multiple missiles, fired individually. Both emitted grayish-white clouds as they emerged from the water and ascended into the air at approximately a 45-degree angle, potentially indicating that they were launched from torpedo launch tubes.

According to state media, the missiles in question were the Pulhwasal-3-31, a recently developed weapon that was initially tested through land-based launches from North Korea's western coast just last week. It was suggested in the reports that two missiles were launched during the test.

The missiles were reported to have flown for over two hours before hitting their intended target on an island. However, the specific vessel used for the launches was not mentioned. In recent years, North Korea has conducted missile launches from both developmental submarines and underwater test platforms constructed on barges, as per ABC News.

Lee Sung Joon, spokesperson of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that the South Korean and US militaries are currently examining the launches, including the potential for North Korea to have exaggerated the flight times.

North Korea's Missile Launches From Submarine

Over the past few years, North Korea has been conducting tests on a range of missiles that are specifically designed for submarine launches, as part of their ongoing efforts to develop the capability to carry out nuclear strikes from underwater. Having such capacity would significantly enhance its ability to deter potential adversaries, as it would be able to retaliate even after enduring a nuclear strike on its territory.

Adding missile-firing submarines to their arsenal would further enhance the North's maritime capabilities, complementing their existing collection of solid-fuel weapons launched from land vehicles. These weapons are specifically designed to challenge and potentially overcome the missile defenses of South Korea, Japan, and the United States.

Experts say building a fleet of submarines that can travel quietly and execute attacks reliably would require significant time, resources, and technological improvements for the heavily sanctioned nation. According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim expressed satisfaction with the successful accuracy of the missiles in hitting their intended sea targets during the test on Sunday.

In September 2021, North Korea conducted its inaugural test of a cruise missile that potentially possesses nuclear strike capabilities.

Per Reuters, South Korea's Defense Minister Shin Won-sik expressed strong concern over the recent missile launches, emphasizing the potential threat they pose not only to his country but also to the wider region. Following a three-day visit to Pyongyang, a Chinese delegation led by Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong returned home.

During the visit, both sides expressed their commitment to enhancing tactical cooperation and protecting shared interests. The most recent launch occurred just a day after the delegation's departure. According to a recent report, a delegation from North Korea, led by sports minister Kim Il Guk, departed for China on Saturday.