North Korea conducted a strategic cruise missile test launch on Monday from the Choe Hyon-ho, a new 5,000-ton destroyer awaiting commissioning.
Chairman Kim Jong Un observed the test via video feed, marking his second missile-related appearance this month following launches on January 3-4. His daughter Ju-ae, wearing a leather jacket, was also spotted at the observation site.
The Korean Central News Agency reported Tuesday that the missiles flew for 10,116 to 10,138 seconds along a trajectory over the West Sea before striking targets set up on separate islands.
"The Chairman expressed great satisfaction that the reliability of the state strategic weapons integrated command system and the superiority of the ship's integrated combat system were confirmed," the state media reported.
Kim emphasized that "the components of our war deterrent are now continuously being incorporated effectively and at an accelerated pace into a highly sophisticated operational system, and the state nuclear force has transitioned to a multi-faceted operational stage."
The Choe Hyon-ho is expected to be commissioned into the Korean People's Navy in the near future.