North Korea test-fired nuclear-capable cruise missiles from its new destroyer "Choe Hyon Ho" on the 10th, with leader Kim Jong Un declaring the nation's nuclear forces have "transitioned to a diversified operational stage."
The launch comes as US Forces Korea relocates THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) and other air defense assets from the Korean Peninsula to address Middle East contingencies, prompting analysts to view the test as a demonstration of Pyongyang's operational nuclear capabilities.
The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 11th that strategic cruise missiles were launched from the 5,000-ton destroyer ahead of its commissioning, with Kim observing via video link. The missiles flew along trajectories over the West Sea for 10,116 to 10,138 seconds before striking designated targets on separate islands.
Kim "expressed great satisfaction that the reliability of the state strategic weapons integrated command system and the superiority of the destroyer's integrated combat system were verified," the agency reported.
Following the observation, Kim stated: "The components of our war deterrent are being effectively incorporated into a highly sophisticated operational system even now, and the nation's nuclear forces have transitioned to a diversified operational stage."
North Korea conducted a similar test from the Choe Hyon Ho on the 4th of this month. This second launch, coming just six days later amid the ongoing US redeployment of THAAD and Patriot (PAC-3) systems, has drawn attention to its timing.
Yang Moo-jin, chair professor at the University of North Korean Studies, analyzed: "Given cruise missiles' characteristics of low altitude flight, radar evasion, and precision, this suggests an intent to neutralize the South Korea-US missile defense system."
Lim Eul-chul, professor at Kyungnam University's Institute for Far Eastern Studies, noted: "North Korea is focused on advancing its nuclear capabilities and reinforcing the legitimacy of its nuclear status, regardless of external variables such as the US-China summit."
Separately, North Korea expressed respect for Iran's recent selection of Mojtaba Khamenei, second son of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as his successor. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: "We respect the Iranian people's right and choice to select their supreme leader."