On January 24, North Korea tested a new type of strategic cruise missile Pulhwasal-3-31. This cruise missile launch was the first of the new year and the first since the last such launch in September 2023.
What is known about the new North Korean missile test
North Korea explained that the test firings are "a process of constantly updating the weapons system" and a regular and mandatory activity.
The report did not provide details on how far the missile flew and added that the test did not affect the security of neighbouring countries and was allegedly unrelated to the current regional situation.
The Yonhap agency notes that the launch of the cruise missile is not a direct violation of UN Security Council resolutions, which prohibit North Korea's use of ballistic missile technology. But this can pose a severe threat to the country's security, since nuclear warheads can be installed on such missiles.
South Korea's military said North Korea's latest launch appeared to be aimed at enhancing the capabilities of existing cruise missiles, but did not provide further details. South Korean analysts say the Pulhwasal-3-31 is considered a nuclear weapon because the number in the missile's name is identical to the Hwasan-31 missile, a tactical nuclear warhead that North Korea first demonstrated in March 2023.
The number 31 hints at the power of the tactical nuclear warhead North Korea is developing, said Jang Yong-keun, head of the Korean National Strategy Research Institute's Missile Center.
Previous missile launches by North Korea
The day before, on January 14, it was reported that North Korea had launched at least one ballistic missile into the waters off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula.
Earlier, on January 12, Japan launched a missile carrying a government-run intelligence-gathering satellite to monitor the movement of military facilities in North Korea and improve disaster response.
The total number of missile tests carried out by North Korea in 2022 is estimated to be "unprecedented". According to media reports, North Korea last year launched about 70 ballistic missiles, including about eight intercontinental ones.
On July 19, North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea after a US ballistic missile submarine arrived in South Korea.
On August 24, North Korea launched what was probably a ballistic missile. The Japanese government condemned the move as a "threat to regional security."
