The North Korea despot used the test to show off his country’s extensive missile arsenal, in the months after his troops joined Russia in their ongoing fight with Ukraine
North Korea has carried out yet another menacing missile test, with the nation’s dictator Kim Jong-un personally overseeing the bombing of a building using strategic cruise missiles over the country’s West Sea.
The shocking show of military force, which took place on February 26, saw missiles travel over 1,000km in an elliptical trajectory before arriving precisely at their designated targets.
State-controlled media outlets, including the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), broadcast terrifying images of missiles flying at low altitude over water before smashing into a group of buildings in a dramatic explosion.
The KNCA then boasted that the test had reinforced the country’s nuclear deterrence policy, and had ensured that its weapons of mass destruction remain fully operational.
Kim, appearing somewhat chuffed with the outcome, was clear that North Korea’s nuclear forces must stay in a constant state of readiness. He declared: “The most complete deterrence and defence capability comes from possessing overwhelming offensive power.”
In other words, Pyongyang is making totally sure its deadly arsenal is launchable at just a moment’s notice.
Senior military figures, including Kim Jong-sik, who is the vice director of North Korea’s munitions industry department, and Jang Chang-ha, the head of the nation’s missile administration, were also present for the high-profile test.
According to the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of Kim’s ruling Workers’ Party, the test succeeded in its three aims: to prove North Korea’s ability to retaliate to threats, reinforce the credibility of its nuclear deterrent, and sharpen the combat readiness of its missile units.
This latest drill is one of several aggressive weapons tests seen in recent months, something which is undoubtedly ramping up tensions in the region.
The international community has time and time again condemned Pyongyang’s missile launches, warning that any military escalation by North Korea could have catastrophic consequences.
Despite this global pressure, North Korea seems determined to keep its nuclear ambitions on track.