North Korea’s Kim oversees navy cruise missile test

North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un directed tests of advanced strategic cruise and anti-ship missiles from a naval destroyer, state outlet KCNA confirmed Tuesday.

Sunday’s exercise marks another in Pyongyang’s ongoing missile series amid its nuclear pursuits.

Per KCNA, the duo of cruise missiles flew beyond two hours apiece; anti-ship ones lasted 33 minutes.

The projectiles traced designated trajectories above the West Sea (Yellow Sea), nailing targets with exceptional accuracy.

Fired from the newly operational 5,000-ton Choe Hyon—one of two such ships from last year—the test advances Kim’s naval expansion plans.

KCNA photos showed the missile’s launch, fiery trail visible from the deck.

During the event, Kim got updates on arming “Destroyers 3 and 4” under construction.

Pleased with bolstered strategic forces, he reaffirmed nuclear deterrence as priority one.

The Choe Hyon boasts top-tier weaponry, per official claims, with Kim’s frequent ship checks since recently.

AFP analysts see it as messaging the US: expect a unique fight, unlike versus Iran.

“Warship launches signal capability to sink US naval groups,” per Kyungnam’s Lim Eul-chul. Pyongyang’s nukes on anti-ship arms set it apart, he said, treating Iran as a wake-up call.

South Korea’s Yoo Yong-won (People Power Party) cited US satellite intel showing rushed third destroyer work at Nampo, fueled by Russian support.

In quid pro quo for Ukraine aid—troops, ammo—North Korea gains Russian tech boosts, say watchers.