North Korea conducted more missile tests and increased its military preparedness. The country fired cruise missiles into the sea and Kim Jong Un called for his military to enhance war preparations and inspected a shipyard in Nampho on the west coast. South Korea detected multiple missiles, but the exact number and assessment of their flights were not immediately provided. Kim reiterated his focus on strengthening his naval forces to counter perceived external threats, and emphasized efforts to build a nuclear-armed navy to counter growing external threats. The U.N. Secretary-General expressed concerns about the recent developments and called for de-escalation and a resumption of diplomatic dialogue.
North Korea aims to defend its maritime sovereignty, and there’s a focus on strengthening the navy. The country has a five-year military development plan set during a ruling party congress in early 2021, which includes building nuclear-powered submarines and nuclear missiles that can be launched from underwater. Kim was briefed on the progress of his naval projects and ordered workers to complete the efforts by 2025. This marks a potential expansion of naval projects from the eastern shipyard of Sinpo to Nampho. North Korea’s aim to create a sense of insecurity and attract international attention is evident as it continues to make military threats routine.
South Korea’s special operation troops completed a 10-day training with U.S. Green Berets, and the allies staged combined military exercises. North Korea has been conducting various missile tests, including a new nuclear-capable cruise missile and a long-range cruise missile. However, experts believe that its naval ambitions may require significant time, resources, and technology breakthroughs. North Korea’s recent tests include a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, named Hwasong-18, and a new solid-fuel intermediate-range missile.
The country also plans to launch three more military spy satellites in 2024. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are high, as Kim has accelerated his weapons development and issued provocative nuclear threats against the United States, South Korea, and Japan. The United States and its Asian allies have strengthened their combined military exercises and updated their deterrence strategies in response. There are concerns that Kim may further ramp up pressure against his rivals, and experts believe his long-term goal is to negotiate concessions and sanctions relief from a position of strength.
While most analysts downplay the threats of war, there is a possibility that North Korea may attempt a direct military provocation without letting it escalate into a full-blown conflict. One potential crisis point is the disputed western sea boundary between the Koreas, which has been the site of several naval skirmishes in the past.