Kim Directly Supervised Long‑Range Cruise Missile Launches On December 28, 2025, Kim Jong-un personally oversaw the launch of two long‑range strategic cruise missiles in the Yellow Sea. The drill was presented by KCNA as a review of the counter‑offensive response posture of long‑range missile sub‑units. Kim’s appearance followed his earlier inspection of an 8,700‑ton nuclear‑powered strategic guided‑missile submarine under construction [1][2][3][4].

Missiles Traveled Preset Orbits for Over Two Hours Both missiles followed preset flight orbits lasting 10,199 seconds and 10,203 seconds, roughly 2 hours 50 minutes each, before striking their designated targets. KCNA reported the hits as proof of “absolute reliability and combat readiness.” Exact distances were not disclosed, but the prolonged flight underscores the weapons’ range capabilities [1][2][3][4].

Kim Reaffirmed Unlimited, Sustained Nuclear Force Development In the same broadcast, Kim quoted the Workers’ Party and the DPRK government as committing “all efforts to the unlimited and sustained development of the state nuclear combat force.” He framed the missile test as evidence that the strategic counter‑attack capability is regularly checked for reliability and rapid response. The statement aligns with his broader push to expand nuclear and strategic assets ahead of next year’s party congress [1][2][3][4].

South Korea Detected Launches and Warned of Further Tests South Korea’s Defense Ministry reported detecting multiple missile launches from the Sunan area near Pyongyang at around 08:00 local time on December 28. The ministry warned that additional missile tests could occur before the year’s end, reflecting heightened security concerns. The detection corroborates the timing of the North’s announced test and suggests a pattern of year‑end demonstrations [1][2][3][4].

Submarine Inspection and Anti‑Air Missile Tests Highlight Strategic Build‑Up Earlier in the week, Kim inspected the test‑firing of new long‑range anti‑air missiles in the East Sea, expanding surface‑to‑air capabilities. He also examined the hull of the 8,700‑ton nuclear‑powered strategic guided‑missile submarine, signaling progress toward a nuclear‑propelled underwater strike platform. KCNA warned that South Korea’s plan to acquire its own nuclear‑powered submarines must be countered, linking the missile test to broader naval ambitions [1][3][4].