North Korea is testing cruise missiles for tactical nuclear weapons

North Korea says it has tested missiles again. Prime Minister Kim Jong Un has overseen the launch of two long-range strategic cruise missiles, the state-run Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Thursday. The test took place on Wednesday and was intended to "improve the combat efficiency and strength" of cruise missiles that the Korean People's Army "are available for the use of tactical nuclear weapons".

Kim explained the deals are another clear warning to his "enemies". The two rockets "clearly hit the target 2,000 kilometers away". Where the rockets hit remained unclear.

Kim announced an expansion of nuclear warfare operations to "resolutely repel and take full initiative in any major military crisis and crisis of war at any time."

North Korea first tested a strategic cruise missile in September 2021, which analysts believed could carry nuclear warheads. Kim announced last year that developing smaller warheads was a priority. Wednesday's test confirms the operational readiness of the missiles. It is unclear whether North Korea can build warheads small enough for a cruise missile.

It wasn't immediately clear whether the launches were registered by authorities in South Korea, Japan, or the United States, which often monitor and publicize North Korean weapons activity. North Korea's cruise missiles typically attract less interest than ballistic missiles because they are not specifically banned by UN Security Council resolutions.

North Korea had fired several ballistic missiles in the past few weeks, one of which flew over Japan. The tests sparked international outrage. On Monday, the North Korean leader said it was "tactical nuclear exercises" simulating an "actual war".