North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of long-range strategic cruise missiles on Sunday, demonstrating the country’s nuclear deterrent capabilities and counter-attack preparedness, according to state media KCNA. Kim expressed “great satisfaction” as the missiles successfully hit their targets over the sea west of the Korean Peninsula.
A projectile flies mid-air on the day North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a long-range strategic cruise missile launching drill, according to local media, at an unknown location, December 28, 2025, in this pictured released December 29, 2025 by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SOUTH KOREA. BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE.
“Checking the reliability and rapid response of the components of the DPRK’s nuclear deterrent on a regular basis … is just a responsible exercise,” KCNA quoted Kim as saying, citing security threats faced by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
South Korea Confirms Missile Activity
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the detection of multiple cruise missile launches from the Sunan area near Pyongyang at around 8 a.m. on Sunday (2300 GMT Saturday). A South Korean defence ministry spokesperson described North Korea’s recent military activities, including nuclear-powered submarine development, as “activities that undermine peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.”
A projectile flies mid-air near a building on the day North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a long-range strategic cruise missile launching drill, according to local media, at an unknown location, December 28, 2025, in this pictured released December 29, 2025 by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SOUTH KOREA. BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE.
Yonhap news agency reported that additional missile tests could take place around New Year’s Day, though South Korea’s military declined to comment on potential future launches.
Tests Likely Include Nuclear-Capable Upgrades
Hong Min, a North Korea expert at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said Sunday’s launches likely tested upgraded cruise missiles capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear warheads. The exercise forms part of a broader push by Pyongyang to demonstrate military strength ahead of a key ruling party congress in early 2026.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits major munitions enterprises in the last quarter of 2025, in this picture released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency on December 26, 2025. KCNA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SOUTH KOREA.
Kim Jong Un Highlights Economic and Development Progress
Alongside military demonstrations, Kim also attended the opening of a paper mill on Sunday. KCNA reported that over the past month, Kim has been present at the inaugurations of multiple factories and hotels, signaling a drive to complete the current five-year development plan before convening the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits major munitions enterprises in the last quarter of 2025, in this picture released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency on December 26, 2025. KCNA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SOUTH KOREA.
