Kim Jong Un Oversees Cruise Missile Test Amid US-South Korea Drills
North Korea's State Media Sends Update
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August 22, 2023
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly witnessed the test-firing of strategic cruise missiles, as state media revealed on Monday, coinciding with the commencement of major annual military exercises by the U.S. and South Korea. These joint drills are perceived by North Korea as a potential prelude to invasion.
The North Korean report on the missile tests comes on the heels of the recent trilateral summit involving the leaders of the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. During the summit, these nations agreed to enhance their collaboration on ballistic missile defenses, aiming to counteract North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats.
According to the official Korean Central News Agency, Kim participated in an inspection of a navy flotilla, during which he boarded a patrol ship to assess its weaponry and combat readiness. Subsequently, he observed a drill involving the launch of "strategic" cruise missiles. This terminology suggests that these weapons may have been developed for carrying nuclear warheads.
While a state media photo depicted Kim observing a missile launch from the patrol ship, experts noted that he was not physically present on the vessel. The Korean Central News Agency stated that the missiles accurately hit their designated targets, underscoring the ship's operational preparedness and offensive capabilities.
Kim expressed his commitment to enhancing the North's naval strength by fortifying warships and modernizing underwater and shipboard weaponry. He emphasized the importance of building "overwhelming ideological and spiritual strength" among the country's sailors, highlighting its significance over numerical or technical superiority in weaponry.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff responded to North Korea's report, characterizing it as an "exaggeration" inconsistent with reality. They reiterated the readiness of South Korea's military to respond effectively to potential North Korean provocations.
Analysts perceive North Korea's cruise missile tests as a potential threat, even though they are not restricted by U.N. Security Council resolutions. Unlike ballistic missiles, cruise missiles operate at lower altitudes to evade radar detection. Experts speculate that North Korea's intent behind cruise missiles is to target incoming U.S. warships and aircraft carriers in the event of a conflict.
As anticipated, North Korea's resumption of weapons testing aligns with the onset of U.S.-South Korean military exercises. These joint drills, spanning 11 days, have historically triggered reactions from North Korea, underscoring the complex dynamics that characterize the region's security landscape.