North Korea test-fired two strategic cruise missiles designed to carry nuclear warheads, as leader Kim Jong Un pledged to pursue “unlimited” development of the nation’s nuclear arsenal, according to state media reports.

The missiles flew over North Korea’s west coast for nearly three hours during the Sunday launch, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The state media outlet did not disclose the distance the missiles traveled, but characterized the drill as a demonstration of the country’s “combat readiness of the nuclear deterrence force.”

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the detection of multiple cruise missiles launched around 8 a.m. from the Sunan area near Pyongyang. A spokesperson for South Korea’s Defense Ministry condemned the launches, stating they “undermine peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.”

Kim Jong Un used the occasion to promise that North Korea would “devote all their efforts to the unlimited and sustained development of the state nuclear combat force.” KCNA described the test as a “clear warning” to enemies threatening North Korea’s security.

The latest missile test comes amid escalating tensions in the region and follows North Korea’s recent claims of progress on a nuclear-powered submarine program. State media released images showing Kim inspecting construction at a shipyard alongside his daughter, describing the vessel as an 8,700-ton-class nuclear-propelled submarine that Pyongyang intends to arm with nuclear weapons.

Kim has framed the submarine project as a crucial step in modernizing and expanding North Korea’s nuclear-armed naval capabilities, though independent verification of the submarine’s specifications and operational status remains unavailable.

Defense analysts note that cruise missiles pose particular challenges for missile defense systems due to their ability to fly at lower altitudes and maneuver in flight, making them more difficult to detect than ballistic missiles. North Korea has conducted several cruise missile tests over the past year, though the exact size of its cruise missile arsenal remains unclear.

Outside experts estimate North Korea has assembled approximately 50 nuclear warheads, with enough fissile material to potentially produce between 70 and 90 weapons. However, precise figures remain uncertain due to the secretive nature of Pyongyang’s weapons program.

The increasing pace and sophistication of North Korea’s weapons tests reflect Kim’s determination to advance the country’s military capabilities despite international pressure. North Korea remains under comprehensive international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs, restrictions that Kim has vowed to overcome through weapons development rather than diplomatic engagement.

While former President Donald Trump has indicated openness to renewed negotiations with North Korea, Kim has signaled he would only engage with Washington if denuclearization is removed from the agenda – a stance highlighting the significant gap between the two sides’ positions.

The cruise missile test represents the latest in a series of provocative actions by North Korea, which has consistently defied international condemnation and sanctions through its weapons development programs. Rather than yielding to diplomatic pressure, Pyongyang continues to prioritize military advancement and nuclear deterrence as central to its national security strategy.

Regional observers remain concerned about the potential for miscalculation as North Korea expands its weapons capabilities, particularly as tensions persist between Pyongyang and Seoul, with both South Korea and the United States conducting their own military exercises in response to North Korean provocations.