North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the testing of a new surface-to-sea missile as part of efforts to bolster maritime border security. This comes amid heightened tensions, with Kim declaring South Korea as the principal enemy and intensifying weapons tests. The recent missile launches include cruise missiles, an underwater nuclear weapon system, and a hypersonic ballistic missile.
Seoul confirmed the launch of multiple cruise missiles by North Korea. Kim oversaw the evaluation test-fire of the new surface-to-sea missile, expressing satisfaction with the results. The missiles successfully hit their targets after flying over the East Sea for 1,400 seconds. Kim criticized South Korea for encroaching upon North Korea’s sovereignty by allowing battleships into its waters.
The maritime border, known as the Northern Limit Line, has been a longstanding point of contention between the two Koreas. Kim vowed to defend maritime sovereignty with force and rejected the Northern Limit Line, considering it illegitimate under international law.
North Korea also announced the testing of a new control system for a multiple rocket launcher, indicating an expanded battlefield role. Speculation suggests North Korea may be testing these weapons for potential use in Ukraine, given its strengthened ties with Russia. Kim’s visit to Russia in September reinforced relations between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Seoul and Washington have accused North Korea of violating UN sanctions by shipping arms to Russia. The situation underscores ongoing tensions and the strategic significance of North Korea’s weapons development program.
