North Korea Conducts Test-Firing of Cruise Missiles, Confirms South Korea
On September 11, 2021, North Korea conducted a test-firing of long-range cruise missiles. The test was confirmed by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, who stated that the missiles were fired from a location near the western city of Hamhung and flew approximately 1,500 kilometers before hitting their targets in the sea.
This is the first time North Korea has publicly announced the test-firing of cruise missiles, which are considered a strategic weapon due to their ability to evade radar detection and strike targets with precision. The test-firing comes amid stalled denuclearization talks between North Korea and the United States, and tensions between North and South Korea.
North Korea’s state media reported that the test-firing was successful and that the missiles demonstrated “the superiority and practicality” of North Korea’s weapon systems. The report also stated that the missiles were developed over the past two years and that they can be equipped with nuclear warheads.
The test-firing of cruise missiles is a significant development for North Korea’s military capabilities. While North Korea has previously tested ballistic missiles, which are designed to travel in a high arc and re-enter the atmosphere at high speeds, cruise missiles fly at low altitudes and can be guided to their targets with greater accuracy.
The test-firing of cruise missiles is also a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, which prohibit North Korea from developing and testing ballistic missile technology. The international community has condemned North Korea’s actions, with Japan’s Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi calling the test “extremely concerning” and urging North Korea to “refrain from further provocations.”
The test-firing of cruise missiles is likely to further complicate efforts to resume denuclearization talks between North Korea and the United States. The two countries have been at an impasse since the collapse of their summit in Hanoi in February 2019, with North Korea demanding sanctions relief in exchange for denuclearization steps and the United States insisting on complete denuclearization before any sanctions relief.
In conclusion, North Korea’s test-firing of cruise missiles is a significant development that highlights the country’s growing military capabilities. The international community has condemned North Korea’s actions, and the test-firing is likely to further complicate efforts to resume denuclearization talks between North Korea and the United States. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop, but it is clear that tensions on the Korean peninsula are once again on the rise.
