[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Did North Korea Fire a Cruise Missile?

Emphasis on Missiles Unable to Detect Hanmi Reconnaissance Assets
Also Delivering Protest Messages Regarding Hanmi DSC TTX

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] North Korea announced that it conducted a launch drill of the strategic cruise missile ‘Hwasal-2,’ drawing attention to the authenticity of the claim. Typically, the military does not disclose information other than ballistic missiles, leading to divided opinions on whether the cruise missile was detected but not announced, or if it was not detected at all.

On the 24th, the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, "At the time North Korea claimed, South Korean and U.S. reconnaissance and surveillance assets were monitoring the area," adding, "We are analyzing various possibilities, including the authenticity of North Korea’s claim."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

North Korea announced on the 24th through the Korean Central News Agency that it conducted a launch drill of the strategic cruise missile ‘Hwasal-2’ toward the East Sea from the area around Kimchaek City, North Hamgyong Province, in the early hours of the previous day. The agency reported, "The relevant firepower unit of the People’s Army’s Eastern District Strategic Cruise Missile Unit was mobilized," and "The four launched strategic cruise missiles flew elliptical and figure-eight flight paths simulating a distance of 2,000 km set in the East Sea for 12,080 to 12,240 seconds, successfully striking the target."

However, some military circles do not rule out the possibility that North Korea’s claim is false. This could be a message opposing the South Korea-U.S. extended deterrence exercise (DSC TTX) while emphasizing that North Korea possesses missiles detectable by South Korea-U.S. reconnaissance assets.

North Korea previously announced on November 2 last year that it carried out retaliatory strikes with two strategic cruise missiles in international waters about 80 km off the coast of Ulsan City. However, the South Korean military stated, "North Korea’s claim is not true."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.