North Korea said on Monday it had fired long-range strategic cruise missiles into the sea to test the country’s nuclear deterrence, days after it showed apparent progress in the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarines. UN Security Council resolutions prohibit North Korea from launches involving its huge stockpile of ballistic missiles. Analysts say North Korea would aim to use cruise missiles to strike US warships and aircraft carriers in the event of conflict. Last week, North Korea test-launched new anti-air missiles off its east coast and displayed photos showing a largely completed hull of a developmental nuclear-powered submarine. North Korea implied it would arm the submarine with nuclear missiles.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 29, 2025 22:37 UTC