Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, oversaw the test launches of long-range strategic cruise missiles and at the same time called for the “unlimited and sustained” development of the country’s nuclear combat forces.
North Korea’s state news agency reported that the test was conducted ahead of the ruling party’s congress and as part of showcasing Pyongyang’s deterrence capabilities.
According to the report, the missiles flew along a designated trajectory over the western sea of the Korean Peninsula and successfully struck their targets.
The media outlet added that Kim Jong Un expressed satisfaction with the test, saying that continuous assessment of readiness and the rapid-response capability of nuclear forces is essential to counter security threats.
This launch is the latest in a series of North Korea’s military and economic activities ahead of the ruling party’s congress in early 2026, a meeting expected to determine the country’s next five-year development plan.
