The armed forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted a strategic cruise missile launch exercise in waters near its western coast, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The Korean People's Army (KPA) fired two strategic cruise missiles, which traveled 1,587 kilometers before hitting the target, KCNA added.
The purpose of the launch exercise is to inform the 'enemies of the KPA's counterattack capability in any space and the preparation of its various nuclear operational means, as well as to demonstrate the reliability of the state's nuclear deterrence and make the strategic cruise missile subunits become experts in fulfilling sudden launch missions,' the report added.
Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and President of State Affairs of the DPRK, supervised the launch exercise and ensured that 'it is a responsible exercise of the DPRK's military deterrence to continuously test the reliability and operation of its nuclear deterrence components and demonstrate its power.'
'It is the mission and responsible duty of the nuclear armed forces of the DPRK to permanently defend national sovereignty and security with a reliable nuclear shield through more meticulous battle preparation of the nuclear force and total preparation for its use,' Kim pointed out.
