Overview
- North Korea, which carried out the launches Sunday, fired two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles from the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon under Kim Jong Un's watch.
- The drills checked the ship’s integrated weapons command and launch control lines, trained the crew in firing procedures, and evaluated an upgraded anti-jamming navigation system, according to state media.
- KCNA said the cruise missiles flew for about two hours and the anti-ship missiles for roughly 33 minutes over the Yellow Sea before hitting targets with what it called ultra-precise accuracy.
- South Korea reported detecting several cruise missiles near Nampo and said South Korean and U.S. intelligence are analyzing the launches to assess performance and potential warhead options.
- Kim called strengthening the nuclear deterrent the top priority and reviewed plans for weapons on destroyers No. 3 and No. 4, pointing to a larger fleet that outside analysts link to likely Russian assistance and question for full readiness.