DPRK flexes military might with strategic cruise missile drill

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
28 Feb 2025 08:48

The missiles are launched over a 1,587 km-long oval trajectory, precisely hitting their targets after "7,961-7,973 seconds" of flight.

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In this photograph provided by the DPRK government on Friday, February 28, 2025, DPRK leader Kim Jong Un supervises test launches of what are said to be strategic cruise missiles, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, off the western coast of the country (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

The DPRK carried out a strategic cruise missile launch drill in the Yellow Sea on February 26, underscoring its commitment to showcasing the power and reliability of its nuclear deterrence, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and relayed by TASS.

The exercise was designed to demonstrate the DPRK army’s "counterattack capability in any space" and the "readiness of its various nuclear operation means" in response to what Pyongyang called the actions of "enemies, who are seriously violating the security environment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and fostering and escalating the confrontation environment."

KCNA further emphasized that the drill reaffirmed "the reliability of the state nuclear deterrence" and proved that "strategic cruise missile sub-units are proficient in executing their sudden firing missions."

The missiles were launched over a 1,587 km-long oval trajectory, precisely hitting their targets after "7,961-7,973 seconds" of flight, as detailed by KCNA.

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the exercise and expressed satisfaction with the results, reinforcing that it was the "responsible mission and duty" of the nation's nuclear forces to ensure "permanent defense of national sovereignty and security" by maintaining a "reliable nuclear shield."

He stressed the importance of achieving complete operational readiness to defend the nation, guaranteeing that the nuclear forces are fully prepared for deployment at any given moment.

DPRK says nuclear arsenal 'non-negotiable red line'

Earlier this month, the DPRK reaffirmed that its nuclear arsenal is a "red line" that cannot be negotiated or relinquished, emphasizing that it is designated for actual military use if the country’s sovereignty or the safety of its people is threatened.

In an official statement released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the DPRK condemned NATO and the European Union for refusing to recognize the DPRK as a nuclear power.

The statement described calls for the complete dismantling of Pyongyang’s nuclear program as "irrational remarks."

KCNA asserted that the DPRK's nuclear capabilities were not merely a political issue but served as a strategic deterrent against threats from hostile forces.

Pyongyang further stressed that it will not place nuclear disarmament on the negotiation table, even if dialogue with the United States resumes.