Kim Jong Un Orders “Full Nuclear Readiness” After North Korea Tests New Strategic Missile

North Korea tested a new cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear charge, referring to it as a “strategic” weapon, according to state media reports cited by South Korea’s Yonhap on February 28.

The missile test, conducted on the morning of February 26 near North Korea’s western coast, was observed by dictator Kim Jong Un. The North’s military described the launch as a demonstration of its counterattack capabilities and the readiness of its nuclear forces.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that its military detected and tracked multiple North Korean cruise missiles launched toward the Yellow Sea at approximately 8 am local time.

According to North Korean state media, the missiles successfully hit their targets after flying an elliptical trajectory covering a total distance of 1,587 kilometers over a flight duration of approximately 7,961 to 7,973 seconds.

Official photographs show at least one missile striking a concrete building designed to simulate a three-story structure. The missile’s warhead detonated upon impact, destroying the building.

While North Korea has not disclosed the missile’s name and characteristics, its external appearance suggests it may be a variant of the Hwasal cruise missile family.

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In addition to showcasing its new cruise missile, North Korea emphasized its nuclear posture. According to the KCNA news agency, Kim Jong Un ordered his forces to maintain full nuclear attack readiness to ensure the country’s “most effective deterrence and defense capability.”

The missile test was framed as a warning to North Korea’s “enemies,” whom Pyongyang accuses of escalating tensions in the region. KCNA quoted Kim as saying: “What is guaranteed by powerful striking ability is the most perfect deterrence and defense capacity.”

Kim further stated that North Korea’s nuclear forces have a “responsible mission and duty” to protect national sovereignty through a “reliable nuclear shield” and full combat preparedness.

While cruise missiles tend to draw less international condemnation than ballistic missiles, North Korea’s continued development of nuclear-capable variants remains a serious concern.

The United Nations Security Council has banned Pyongyang from developing ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons, but cruise missiles are not explicitly prohibited under existing resolutions.

The missile test comes in the same week that Kim made multiple visits to military academies, reinforcing the importance of ideological loyalty and tactical training for North Korean officers.

Earlier, reports emerged that since late December, North Korean ballistic missiles launched by Russian forces at Ukraine have shown a marked improvement in accuracy, now hitting their intended targets within a range of 50 to 100 meters.