North Korea Missile Tests: Strategic Cruise Missiles Launched
North Korea announced a successful North Korea missile test this past Sunday. The nation fired long-range strategic cruise missiles, a significant development in its ongoing weapons expansion. This announcement came Monday, December 29, 2025, with state media showcasing the event as a potent display of nuclear deterrence. Leader Kim Jong Un observed the drill, expressing great satisfaction with the performance of the North Korea missile systems. These launches over the Yellow Sea underscore the continued focus on enhancing North Korea’s missile capabilities.
Strategic North Korea Missile Demonstration
The North Korea missile flights lasted for nearly three hours, approximately 10,199 and 10,203 seconds, which is roughly 2 hours and 50 minutes. The missiles followed preset paths, successfully striking their targets off the country’s west coast. These are classified as strategic cruise missiles, often implying nuclear capability. The drill verified combat readiness and tested operational control and precision of the North Korea missile program. North Korea calls these tests a measure of self-defense and a key component of its nuclear deterrence strategy.
Enhancing Nuclear Deterrence with North Korea Missiles
Kim Jong Un called the North Korea missile tests routine, citing the need to check reliability and rapid reaction capabilities, which form the core of the nuclear deterrent. He stated the launches demonstrated a strategic counterattack posture. Analysts view these North Korea missiles as potential threats capable of targeting U.S. warships and aircraft carriers. Cruise missiles pose unique dangers due to their low flight and maneuverability, making them difficult to intercept. Unlike ballistic missiles, they are not banned by UN sanctions, but they still threaten regional stability.
Broader Military Push and North Korea Missile Development
These North Korea missile tests follow other recent military activities. North Korea recently showcased progress by displaying its first nuclear-powered submarine, signaling a rapid weapons buildup. Kim Jong Un visited munitions factories, approving modernization plans for increased missile and artillery production. The Workers’ Party congress is scheduled for early 2026, where Kim may seek leverage for talks, aiming to strengthen the nation’s nuclear combat forces and expand production capacity for unlimited and sustained development of its military activities.
Regional Concerns Rise Over North Korea Missile Activities
South Korea confirmed the launches, with its Joint Chiefs of Staff detecting multiple missiles originating from the Sunan area. A South Korean Ministry spokesperson called the activity “undermining peace and stability.” The international community watches closely as efforts for denuclearization have stalled and diplomacy has largely failed since 2019. North Korea has refused to return to talks. News of these North Korea missile developments is featured globally, reaching audiences in places like Los Angeles. The regime continues its path of development, posing challenges for security and highlighting its ongoing ambitions.
Future Outlook for North Korea Missile Programs
North Korea’s news reports signal intent to bolster its nuclear deterrent through ongoing North Korea missile programs. The country continues to expand its arsenal, including tactical nuclear weapons and delivery systems. Kim Jong Un views nuclear weapons as vital for regime security and has no intention to renounce them. The ongoing development of North Korea missiles increases regional tensions, creating a complex security environment. North Korea’s military activities draw international scrutiny, and the world remains vigilant regarding its weapons expansion and strategic intentions.
