North Korea announced on Wednesday that it had conducted a test-firing of long-range cruise missiles, seeking to enhance its counterattack and strategic strike capabilities. This move marks the nation's latest demonstration of weapon capabilities that pose a threat to South Korea and Japan.
South Korea's military reported that North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles into the waters off its western coast on Tuesday, the third such launch this month. This continues a pattern of provocative weapons testing as North Korea puts pressure on the United States and its Asian allies, despite a lack of progress in diplomatic talks.
According to North Korean state media, the weapon tested on Tuesday was the Hwasal-2. It was stated that the launch did not pose any security risks to neighboring countries. However, the report did not provide specific details regarding the number of missiles fired or their flight performance.
The Hwasal-2, previously described as nuclear-capable, has an estimated range of up to 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles), which could potentially reach U.S. military bases in Japan. North Korea has been expanding its collection of cruise missiles in recent years, aiming to equip both its land and naval forces. These weapons supplement their existing arsenal of ballistic missiles, including short-range solid-fuel missiles designed to overwhelm missile defenses in South Korea, as well as intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
Since the beginning of 2021, North Korea has conducted at least 11 rounds of tests involving what it refers to as long-range cruise missiles, fired from both land and sea platforms.
The two previous tests in January showcased a new weapon called Pulhwasal-3-31, specifically designed to be launched from submarines. Following the second launch of this weapon on Sunday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reiterated his goal of developing a nuclear-armed navy to counter perceived external threats.
Additionally, on January 14, North Korea tested a new solid-fuel intermediate-range missile, highlighting its efforts to advance weapons capable of targeting U.S. assets in the Pacific, including the military stronghold of Guam.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are currently at their highest point in years. Kim Jong Un has accelerated his nation's weapons development at an unprecedented pace, issuing provocative nuclear threats directed at the United States, South Korea, and Japan. In response, the United States and its Asian allies have strengthened their joint military exercises and updated their deterrence strategies.
There are concerns that Kim, encouraged by the steady progress of his nuclear arsenal and bolstered ties with Russia, may intensify pressure on his rivals during the upcoming election year in the United States and South Korea.
Experts suggest that Kim's long-term objective is to compel the United States to recognize North Korea as a nuclear power and negotiate security concessions and sanctions relief from a position of strength.
