North Korea has conducted a test-firing of sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles in the West Sea, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The test, carried out on October 28, was overseen by senior officials including Pak Jong Chon, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission and Secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK); Kim Jong Sik, First Vice Department Director of the WPK Central Committee; Jang Chang, General Director of the Missile Administration; and senior naval commanders and engineers.
According to KCNA, the cruise missiles—newly improved for ship-based vertical launches—flew for more than 7,800 seconds along a pre-set trajectory before striking their designated target.
Pak Jong Chon described the test as part of efforts to enhance the country’s “practical nuclear force” and to expand the operational scope of its “war deterrents.” He emphasized the importance of continuously testing and modernizing strategic weapons to “ensure the reliability” of North Korea’s deterrence capabilities.
He also underscored leader Kim Jong Un’s strategic direction, stating that “a deterrent guaranteed by powerful offensive power is the most perfect form of defense capability,” and called for ongoing efforts to strengthen the country's nuclear combat posture.
On the same day, Pak inspected naval training aboard the destroyers Choe Hyon and Kang Kon, reviewing crew readiness and the operation of shipboard weapons systems. He instructed officers to continue improving the sailors’ operational and technical proficiency.
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