In a show of military strength on January 28, 2024, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-firings of new submarine-launched cruise missiles, known as the Pulhwasal-3-31. This test, which took place, signified a considerable step forward in North Korea’s plans to establish a nuclear-armed navy. According to the state news agency KCNA, the missiles soared above the sea off the East Coast of North Korea for over two hours and hit an island target, illustrating the military’s focus on enhancing naval capabilities amidst escalating regional tensions.
The development and demonstration of this new missile technology carry strategic significance, as Kim Jong Un aims to modernize the army and build a powerful naval force. These tests are particularly noteworthy as they come on the heels of increased weapon demonstrations, including an array of ballistic missile systems under development and an underwater drone. In a time of strained relations with the United States, South Korea, and Japan, North Korea’s military advancements underscore the persistent challenge the isolated nation poses to regional security.
The Pulvassar-3-31 missile was also previously tested in Pyongyang, represent a new generation of nuclear-capable cruise missile technology for North Korea. While the tests of cruise missiles, which fly at lower altitudes and are jet-propelled, are not banned under United Nations sanctions, they are nonetheless a cause for concern. Cruise missiles can be as significant a threat as ballistic missiles and bolster North Korea’s capacity for precision strikes and mass destruction.
During this time, Kim also inspected the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine and discussed plans for manufacturing additional advanced warships. These inspections and discussions align with North Korea’s pursuit of more sophisticated sea-based launch capabilities, potentially leading to the development of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and nuclear-powered submarines in the future. Such capabilities would mark a new chapter for North Korea’s navy, elevating its offensive potential to unprecedented levels, allowing for deployments far beyond the Korean Peninsula and achieving a second-strike capability in the event of an attack.
Kim’s attention to the development of a nuclear-armed navy comes at a time when the region is witnessing significant naval movements. The Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet, including cruiser RFS Varyag and destroyer RFS Marshal Shaposhnikov, are currently deployed in the Philippine Sea after transiting the East Sea. Meanwhile, the U.S. cruiser USS Antietam has departed Yokosuka Naval Base, heading to its new homeport at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as part of a planned rotation of forces in the Pacific.
North Korea’s tests and naval developments have prompted South Korea and the United States to enhance surveillance and vigilance, closely coordinating their monitoring of North Korea’s further activities.
Relevant articles:
– North Korea tests submarine-launched cruise missiles: KCNA, Nikkei Asia
– North Korea’s Kim ‘guided’ submarine-launched cruise missile test: KCNA, Al Jazeera, Jan 29, 2024
– North Korea Tests Sub Launched Cruise Missile, Russian Warships Sail Near Japan, USNI News, Jan 29, 2024
– North Korea says leader Kim supervised tests of cruise missiles designed to be fired from submarines, AP News, Jan 28, 2024