Archive · 30 Dec 2025
North Korea Tests Long-Range Cruise Missiles
North Korea recently tested some big missiles called long-range cruise missiles.
Their leader, Kim Jong Un, was there and he was very happy with the tests.
These missiles are different from the ones that are banned by the UN, but they can still be dangerous because they can fly low and avoid being detected.
North Korea says they are doing this to protect themselves from other countries.
South Korea is watching closely and is ready to defend itself if needed.
North Korea has been showing off new weapons a lot lately, like anti-air missiles and a new submarine that might have nuclear missiles.
They might do more tests before an important meeting of their ruling party.
North Korea has been focusing on making more nuclear weapons since talks with the US stopped a few years ago.
North Korea tested long-range strategic cruise missiles off its west coast on Sunday, October 15, 2023.
Leader Kim Jong Un expressed 'great satisfaction' with the missile launches, stating they are a responsible exercise of self-defense.
South Korea is aware of the launches and maintains readiness to repel any potential provocations through its alliance with the United States.
UN Security Council resolutions prohibit North Korea from launching ballistic missiles but not cruise missiles, which are highly maneuverable and pose a threat.
North Korea has recently displayed new anti-air missiles and a largely completed hull of a developmental nuclear-powered submarine, implying it would arm the submarine with nuclear missiles.
- Who
- North Korea, led by Kim Jong Un
- What
- Tested long-range strategic cruise missiles
- When
- Sunday, October 15, 2023
- Where
- Off North Korea’s west coast
- Why
- To test nuclear deterrence and demonstrate military might
North Korea's Stance
South Korea's Stance
Purpose of Missile Tests
North Korea's Stance
North Korea views the missile tests as a responsible exercise of self-defense against security threats and a demonstration of nuclear deterrence.
South Korea's Stance
South Korea sees these activities as undermining peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.
Future Military Actions
North Korea's Stance
North Korea may conduct additional missile tests, particularly around New Year’s Day, as part of its ongoing military development.
South Korea's Stance
South Korea maintains readiness to repel any potential provocations through its alliance with the United States.
- Date of Test
- Sunday, October 15, 2023
- Location of Test
- Off North Korea’s west coast
- Leader Present
- Kim Jong Un
- Kim's Reaction
- Expressed 'great satisfaction'
- South Korea's Response
- Maintains readiness to repel provocations
- UN Security Council Resolutions
- Prohibit ballistic missile launches, not cruise missiles
- Recent Weapons Display
- New anti-air missiles and nuclear-powered submarine
- Potential Future Actions
- Further weapons demonstrations before party congress
Sources
North Korea says it tested long-range cruise missiles; Kim Jong Un expresses 'great satisfaction'
North Korea says it tested long-range cruise missiles to strengthen nuclear deterrence
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un oversees launch of long-range strategic cruise missiles
'Annihilate the enemy': Kim Jong Un hails new rocket system as North Korea steps up weapons push
