Pyongyang / Seoul | December 29, 2025
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised a series of long-range strategic cruise missile launches on Sunday, December 28, 2025, over the Yellow Sea (West Sea of Korea), according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Monday.
Two missiles were launched and successfully hit their designated targets after flying along their planned trajectories. The first missile flew for 10,199 seconds (approximately 2 hours 50 minutes), while the second reached 10,203 seconds, demonstrating precise accuracy.
🔑 Purpose and Details of the Test
The drills were designed to assess counterattack capabilities, combat readiness, crew training, and the reliability of North Korea’s strategic weapons systems. KCNA quoted Kim Jong Un saying the exercises reflected the “unlimited and continuous development” of North Korea’s nuclear combat force and described the drills as “deterrent actions against external security threats.”
The tested missiles are nuclear-capable strategic cruise missiles capable of flying at low altitudes to evade radar detection. South Korea’s military confirmed multiple missile launches from Sunan, Pyongyang at around 8 a.m. local time. Analysts suggested these tests may represent upgrades to North Korea’s existing missile arsenal.
🌏 Context and International Reaction
This missile test is part of North Korea’s expanded military activities in 2025, following inspections of nuclear-powered submarines and long-range surface-to-air missile tests earlier this year. Observers note that the timing aligns with preparations for the upcoming Workers’ Party Congress in 2026, potentially aimed at showcasing strategic capabilities.
Although cruise missile launches are not restricted under current UN sanctions, the test has raised regional tensions, particularly amid ongoing US-South Korea joint military exercises.
