North Korea Conducts Strategic Cruise Missile Test Firing

North Korea has conducted a test of strategic cruise missiles and several other weapons systems from a new 5,000-ton destroyer, with the country’s leader Kim Jong Un personally overseeing the test. According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Sunday, Kim witnessed the test of cruise missiles, naval artillery, automatic weapons, and electronic warfare systems from the destroyer Kang Kon on Friday. He also ordered the warship to be officially commissioned into the North Korean navy within two months. Pyongyang launched the destroyer in June last year, approximately one month after the vessel capsized during its initial launch attempt. South Korea’s military stated on Sunday that it had detected the launch of cruise missiles from a North Korean warship towards the East Sea on Friday. Seoul and Washington are currently analysing the details of the test, according to the Seoul-based Yonhap news agency. The latest weapons test is part of an effort to inspect and ensure the destroyer’s capability to operate various weapons systems on the battlefield. Kim Jong Un also urged increased efforts to strengthen the country’s war deterrence capabilities and combat readiness.