Tactical Nuclear Attack
North Korea conducted a simulated “tactical nuclear attack” drill on Saturday, launching two long-range cruise missiles, as reported by state media on Sunday. During this time, leader Kim Jong Un inspected shipbuilding and munitions factories.
According to the KCNA news agency, the drill took place early on Saturday and aimed to “warn enemies” about the country’s preparedness for nuclear war. Pyongyang reiterated its commitment to enhancing military deterrence against Washington and Seoul.
North Korea fired two cruise missiles with mock nuclear warheads toward the West Sea of the peninsula, covering 1,500 kilometers at an altitude of 150 meters.
In a separate statement, it was mentioned that Kim visited the Pukjung Machine Complex, which produces marine engines, and a major munitions factory. During the visit, he emphasized the importance of strengthening Pyongyang’s naval forces.
Furthermore, the statement indicated that a future plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the Worker’s Party of Korea (WPK) would outline the modernization plans for the complex and the development direction of the shipbuilding industry.
Although the statement did not specify the date of Kim’s visit, this latest missile test occurred shortly after the conclusion of the joint annual summertime exercises between South Korea and the U.S., known as Ulchi Freedom Shield. These exercises included air drills with B-1B bombers.
North Korea has been increasing its military deterrence against Washington and Seoul and has criticized the summit agreement between the two nations last month regarding military cooperation.
A KCNA statement on August 21 mentioned that Kim had recently visited a navy fleet stationed on the east coast to oversee a test of strategic cruise missiles aboard a warship, emphasizing the ship’s combat capabilities.
