Cyprus Times

North Korea Conducts Two Long-Range Cruise Missile Tests

Published December 29, 2025, 07:08
North Korea Conducts Two Long-Range Cruise Missile Tests

North Korea conducted two launches of long-range cruise missiles towards the Yellow Sea, as announced by state media. The launches, supervised by Kim Jong Un, were the first such exercise since November and aimed to evaluate the ability to retaliate against a potential attack and verify the reliability of long-range missiles. Kim Jong Un emphasized the need for “unlimited and continuous development” of the country’s nuclear forces. The test follows a similar one in November, shortly after Donald Trump expressed interest in meeting with Kim Jong Un, to which North Korea did not respond. The lack of response led Trump to approve South Korea’s plan to build a nuclear-powered submarine, a plan that raises concerns about potential escalation. North Korea has increased missile tests in recent years, seeking to improve the accuracy of its weapons, test technologies for potential export to Russia, and demonstrate its disregard for the United States and South Korea. After the failure of denuclearization talks in 2019, Pyongyang has repeatedly stated that it is now a nuclear power. North Korea’s involvement in the war in Ukraine, providing soldiers, weapons, and ammunition to Russia, appears to have encouraged Kim Jong Un. Moscow has offered critical support to Pyongyang, strengthening the country’s position in the region.