On 2 February, North Korea launched several cruise missiles off its west coast, Asian media reported.
This is the fourth time Pyongyang has launched such missiles off both coasts.
The launch took place around 11 a.m. (10 a.m. GMT+8), South Korea’s military said.
Since last week, North Korea has said it has tested “strategic” cruise missiles, implying they could be designed to carry nuclear warheads.
Earlier this week, state media reported that the country had tested new submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCM). Leader Kim Jong Un was on site to observe the launch, which used missiles with the same identifying marks as land-based missiles.
South Korea’s military said the North appeared to be testing the missiles to improve their capabilities.
The latest launch came after the North said Friday that Kim inspected a shipyard in the west coast port city of Nampo and emphasised the importance of a strong navy in “preparing for war”, according to state media. KCNA quoted Kim as saying during a visit to the shipyard, a military shipbuilding base also called Nampho:
“Strengthening naval force is the most important issue in pushing ahead with war preparations.”
KCNA reported Monday that Kim oversaw the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine and discussed issues related to the production of other types of new warships, but gave no details.
At a major ruling party meeting in 2021, Kim outlined a plan to develop and modernise the country’s military capabilities, including building nuclear-powered submarines and underwater drones capable of launching nuclear strikes.
North Korea has tested a range of weapons in recent months, including ballistic missiles under development and an underwater drone.
North Korea has accused the United States and South Korea of escalating tensions through large-scale military exercises, leaving it with no choice but to step up preparations for nuclear war. On Friday, the US Special Operations Command said it had completed the exercise with South Korea’s special operations forces.
