North Korea says it tested surface-to-surface, long-range cruise missiles
Seoul, Jan 28 (EFE).- North Korea claimed Friday that it tested two surface-to-surface tactical guided missiles and two long-range cruise missiles this week with “successful” results.
Pyongyang carried out the launches to ‘update’ the cruise missile system and to ‘confirm’ “the power of conventional warhead for surface-to-surface tactical guided missile,” according to the state Korean Central News Agency.
On Tuesday, “two long-range cruise missiles flew for 9 137 s along the flight trajectory over the East Sea of Korea (Sea of Japan) to hit the target island 1 800 km away,” KNCA said, adding the performance would boost “war deterrence.”
On Thursday, the two surface-to-surface missiles “precisely hit the target island, proving that the explosive power of the conventional warhead complied with the design requirements,” according to the KCNA
According to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, Thursday’s launches were suspected to be two short-range ballistic missiles, which traveled 190 kilometers with a maximum altitude of 20 km, a type of test that would violate United Nations resolutions.
KCNA added that the country will “keep developing powerful warheads capable of performing combat function and mission.”
Leader Kim Jong-un was not mentioned as having attended this week’s tests, although according to the state news agency, he recently paid a visit to an arms factory.
North Korea has this year now conducted six tests of various types of projectiles, from hypersonic and ballistic missiles to cruise missiles, showing the regime’s determination to continue testing its weaponry amid mounting US pressure.
The disinterest shown by Pyongyang towards dialogue, the renewed US willingness to tighten sanctions and the six North Korean weapons tests that have taken place in less than a month echo the tensions that existed between the two countries in 2017.
Added to this string of weapons tests is the threat of Pyongyang a week ago around “restarting all temporarily-suspended activities,” which could include nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests. EFE
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