North Korean state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un observed the launch of a cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead from Pyongyang's new warship. The test marks a further step in the regime's push to field a nuclear-capable navy.
North Korean state media reported Monday morning that leader Kim Jong Un observed the launch of a cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead from Pyongyang's new warship. The report did not specify the vessel's name, class, or the missile's designation, nor did it provide a date or location for the test.
As The Zioneer has reported, Kim has been pushing to build a nuclear-capable navy. In late June, he unveiled plans for 10,000-ton warships and a nuclear navy. The regime has also recently tested upgraded artillery and missile systems, and ordered a 2.5-fold increase in missile production. The new cruise missile test from a warship appears to be the first publicly reported launch from a naval platform, marking a potential step toward fielding a sea-based nuclear deterrent.
The report comes from North Korean state media and has not been independently verified. No imagery or technical details of the missile or the warship were released.
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
- Open-source intake
