North Korea has announced the successful test-firing of two types of strategic cruise missiles in the East Sea. The development signals progress in North Korea’s efforts to strengthen its submarine-based military capabilities and expand its nuclear deterrence strategy.
The missiles were launched on October 14, and the test was reportedly designed to assess the operational readiness of underwater combat systems and improve the navy’s ability to carry out strategic missions, according to North Korea.
Missiles may have been fired from Hero Kim Kun Ok submarine
The launch has drawn attention because military experts believe the missiles may have been fired from the Hero Kim Kun Ok, a submarine in the 3,000-ton class that North Korea unveiled in September 2023. However, the precise launch platform has not been independently confirmed.
North Korea described the Hero Kim Kun Ok as one of the navy’s key offensive assets when it was unveiled in 2023. At the time, leader Kim Jong un highlighted the need to equip the navy with nuclear weapons, underlining Pyongyang’s intention to strengthen its maritime deterrence capabilities.
If the latest launch did take place from this submarine, it would suggest that North Korea is continuing to explore ways to integrate advanced missile systems with its expanding naval capabilities.
The announcement follows an earlier submarine-launched cruise missile test in January 2024, when Pyongyang said it had fired Pulhwasal-3-31 strategic cruise missiles from the 2,000-ton-class 8.24 Yongung submarine.
Spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, Captain Jang Do-young, stated that the military had persistently tracked the activity using multiple surveillance assets. He declined to disclose further operational details, citing confidentiality arrangements with the United States.
Submarine-based strategic cruise missiles
Submarine-launched systems are particularly significant because they can introduce additional uncertainty into regional defense calculations. Their effectiveness, however, depends on factors such as the operational reliability of the submarine, missile performance, communications, navigation and the ability to deploy the weapons under realistic conditions.
North Korea’s public announcements alone do not establish how successfully these capabilities could be employed in an actual conflict.
The possibility of submarine-based strategic cruise missiles adds another dimension to the security challenges facing regional powers. It may require continued attention to maritime surveillance, early-warning systems and coordination among security partners.
The cruise missile test comes amid continued efforts by North Korea to advance its missile technology and strengthen its military deterrence posture.
Earlier in the same week, North Korea reported testing tactical ballistic missiles from the area around the capital, directing them towards the East Sea. North Korean state media said that test was intended to verify technical improvements to an important component of its weapons systems.
As North Korea continues to pursue advanced missile and naval systems, developments in submarine-launched weapons are likely to remain an important issue in the broader security environment of Northeast Asia.