Overview

• North Korea launched strategic cruise missiles on Wednesday over the Yellow Sea, with the missiles flying for 130 minutes and covering a trajectory of 1,587 kilometers before hitting their targets.
• Kim Jong Un oversaw the test, emphasizing the importance of maintaining full readiness to utilize nuclear deterrence to safeguard national sovereignty and security.
• State media described the drill as a warning to perceived enemies, accusing them of escalating hostilities and violating North Korea's security environment.
• The missile test marks North Korea's fourth launch event this year as it continues to modernize its arsenal and showcase its military capabilities.
• The test comes ahead of planned joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises, which Pyongyang views as provocative and a potential rehearsal for invasion.