North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a long-range strategic cruise missile launching drill on Sunday, December 28, as Pyongyang continued a rapid sequence of high-profile military and economic events ahead of a key ruling party congress scheduled for early 2026.
State media outlet the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Monday that Kim expressed “great satisfaction” after observing the missiles fly along a programmed trajectory over waters west of the Korean Peninsula before striking their designated targets. The drill, KCNA said, was intended to verify the reliability and responsiveness of systems associated with North Korea’s nuclear deterrent.
“Checking the reliability and rapid response of the components of the DPRK’s nuclear deterrent on a regular basis is just a responsible exercise,” Kim was quoted as saying, using the country’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. He added that such measures were necessary because the country was facing “various security threats.”
Kim also reaffirmed Pyongyang’s commitment to the “unlimited” development of its nuclear combat force, underscoring North Korea’s long-standing defiance of international sanctions and repeated calls to abandon its nuclear weapons programme.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed on Monday that its military had detected the launch of multiple cruise missiles at around 8am on Sunday from the Sunan area near Pyongyang, which is close to the North’s main international airport. The missiles were tracked flying toward the West Sea, also known as the Yellow Sea.
A spokesperson for South Korea’s defence ministry said the recent string of North Korean military activities, including work on a nuclear-powered submarine, were “activities that undermine peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.” Seoul said it was closely monitoring developments and maintaining readiness in coordination with its allies.
Sunday’s missile launch came just days after KCNA reported that Kim had visited a shipyard to inspect the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine, accompanied by his daughter, who has been increasingly featured at major military events and is widely viewed by analysts as a possible successor. During the same period, Kim also oversaw the test-firing of long-range surface-to-air missiles, further highlighting the regime’s focus on strengthening both offensive and defensive capabilities.
According to Yonhap news agency, citing a South Korean military official, North Korea could conduct additional missile tests around New Year’s Day as it seeks to maximise political and strategic impact. South Korea’s military declined to comment on the likelihood of further launches.
Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, said the latest drill was likely aimed at testing upgraded cruise missiles capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. Cruise missiles, which typically fly at lower altitudes than ballistic missiles, pose a different challenge for missile defence systems and have become an increasingly prominent component of North Korea’s weapons development.
Alongside the show of military strength, Kim has also been projecting an image of economic progress. KCNA reported that he attended the opening ceremony of a paper mill on Sunday, part of a broader campaign to highlight industrial development and self-reliance.
Over the past month, Kim has presided over the inauguration of multiple facilities, including factories and hotels, as the country races to complete projects under its current five-year economic plan. These events appear designed to bolster domestic morale and reinforce Kim’s leadership credentials ahead of the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, expected to be convened in early 2026.
Together, the missile launch and the spate of economic openings reflect Pyongyang’s dual strategy of advancing its military capabilities while showcasing development achievements, even as tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high.
