North Korea tests submarine-launched cruise missiles, KCNA says

North Korea new strategic cruise missiles
North Korea conducted a second test of its new strategic cruise missiles on Sunday. The state media reported it as a newly developed submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM). This marks acceleration in the country’s naval nuclear armament efforts. The test occurred within a week of a previous one, indicating intensified military activities.

Pulhwasal-3-31
Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s leader, oversaw the test of the missile known as “Pulhwasal-3-31.” This missile is identical to the strategic cruise missiles mentioned last week as being under development. According to state news agency KCNA and Rodong Sinmun newspaper, the missiles flew above the sea off the east coast. The reported flight times were 7,421 seconds and 7,445 seconds, exceeding two hours. The missiles successfully hit an unspecified island target, showcasing their capabilities.

Test a success
Kim Jong declared the test a success, emphasizing its strategic significance, according to KCNA. The test aligns with the plan to modernize the army, focusing on building a formidable naval force. South Korea’s military confirmed North Korea’s firing of multiple cruise missiles off its coast on Sunday. However, specific details regarding the cruise missiles were not provided by South Korea.

Carry a nuclear warhead
Last week, North Korea announced testing a new strategic cruise missile designed for a nuclear warhead. However, it did not initially specify its development for submarine launch. State media released photographs on Monday displaying a missile launching from the water into a cloudy sky. The images depict a plume of smoke, obscuring the launch platform type.

Missiles less controversial
North Korea’s cruise missiles are generally less controversial and not prohibited by UN Security Council resolutions. Analysts argue that intermediate-range cruise missiles pose a serious threat similar to ballistic missiles. In recent months, North Korea has conducted tests involving various weapons, including ballistic missile systems under development and an underwater drone. Kim Jong inspected the construction of a nuclear submarine and discussed the manufacturing of other new warships separately.

Operational nuclear attack submarine:
In the previous year, North Korea claimed to have launched its first operational nuclear attack submarine. Analysts suggested it seemed to be a modification of an existing submarine, likely designed for ballistic and cruise missiles. Doubts arose about the practicality of such a vessel in comparison to advanced land-based missile systems. Weapons experts noted concerns about noise and limited range due to its diesel propulsion. Kim Jong expressed intentions to expedite the program for constructing nuclear-powered submarines.