North Korea says it tested a cruise missile, flaunting new nuclear-capable weapon

North Korea claimed that it successfully tested a new cruise missile, further developing its military capabilities amid increasing tensions with the United States and neighboring countries. The report came after South Korea’s military announced that it detected North Korea testing multiple cruise missiles into waters off its western coast. The North Korean media described the Pulhwasal-3-31 missile as being in a developmental phase and asserted that it did not pose a threat to neighboring countries. However, it implied an intention to equip the missile with nuclear weapons.

According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Lee Sung Joon, the missiles flew a shorter distance than previous North Korean launches, indicating efforts to enhance the performance of existing systems. The missile launches were North Korea’s second known launch event of the year, following a test-firing in January. Pyongyang is believed to be showcasing its expanding arsenal of nuclear-capable weapons to escalate pressure on its rivals.

North Korea is facing a slowdown in its tests of short-range ballistic missiles, potentially due to inventory shortages as the country continues its alleged arms transfers to Russia. U.S. and South Korean officials have accused North Korea of providing weapons to Russia for its conflict in Ukraine, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un seeks to strengthen ties with Moscow.

North Korea’s cruise missiles, which are part of its growing arsenal, are designed to evade missile defenses in South Korea and Japan without violating U.N. sanctions. Despite not being directly banned, the weapons are considered a significant threat to the region. Their nuclear-capable and long-range nature poses a serious concern to neighboring countries, including U.S. military bases in Japan.

Tensions in the region have escalated as North Korea intensifies its weapons development and makes provocative nuclear threats against the United States and its allies. This has led to increased combined military exercises by the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, which North Korea condemns as invasion rehearsals. Kim may increase pressure in response to an election year in the United States and South Korea.

Kim’s weapons drive has exacerbated North Korea’s struggling economy, which has been affected by years of mismanagement and U.S.-led sanctions. In a separate report, Kim criticized officials for failing to provide enough basic living necessities to people in rural areas, leading to a 10-year project aimed at promoting more balanced regional development.

Recent satellite images suggest that North Korea has dismantled a significant arch in its capital symbolizing reconciliation with South Korea, indicating a shift in the country’s unification goals. Kim recently dismissed hopes for a peaceful reunification and criticized South Korea, labeling them as America’s top-class stooges. North Korea aims to diminish South Korea’s influence in the nuclear standoff and establish direct negotiations with the United States in an effort to solidify its nuclear status.