3-9-2023 (PYONGYANG) North Korea conducted a simulated “tactical nuclear attack” drill on Saturday, including the firing of two long-range cruise missiles, according to reports from state media on Sunday. This event coincided with leader Kim Jong Un’s inspections of shipbuilding and munitions factories.
The KCNA news agency revealed that the drill took place early on Saturday with the purpose of sending a warning to potential adversaries that North Korea remains prepared in the event of a nuclear conflict. Pyongyang reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening military deterrence against Washington and Seoul.
The two cruise missiles launched during the drill were equipped with mock nuclear warheads and directed towards the West Sea of the Korean Peninsula. They covered a distance of 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) while maintaining a preset altitude of 150 meters.
In a separate statement, it was reported that Kim Jong Un visited the Pukjung Machine Complex, which specializes in marine engine production, and a significant munitions factory. During these visits, he emphasized the critical importance of enhancing Pyongyang’s naval capabilities. The KCNA statement noted that “a future plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the WPK (Worker’s Party of Korea) would set forth an important modernization of the complex and the development direction of the shipbuilding industry.” However, the statement did not specify the date of Kim’s visit.
This missile test follows the conclusion of the joint annual summertime exercises between South Korea and the United States, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, which lasted for 11 days and featured air drills involving B-1B bombers. North Korea has been intensifying its military deterrence efforts against both Washington and Seoul, expressing criticism towards their summit agreement last month aimed at enhancing military cooperation.
In an earlier KCNA statement on August 21, it was reported that Kim Jong Un had recently visited a navy fleet stationed on the east coast to oversee a test of strategic cruise missiles conducted aboard a warship. During this visit, he emphasized the fleet’s readiness to maintain its combat capabilities.
