North Korea "Kim Jong-un supervised submarine-launched cruise missile yesterday... Confirmed construction of nuclear submarine"

New 'Bulhwasal-3-31' Relaunched After Four Days
Presumed Fired from Torpedo Tube... Demonstrating Offensive Capability

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un supervised the test launch of a submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) on the 28th and reviewed the construction project of a nuclear submarine, according to the Korean Central News Agency on the 29th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 28th, North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un supervised the test launch of a submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) and also inspected the nuclear submarine construction project.

Korean Central News Agency reported on the 29th that Chairman Kim "guided the test launch of the newly developed submarine-launched strategic cruise missile Bulhwacheol-3-31."

The agency explained that the missiles flew over the East Sea for "7,421 seconds (2 hours 3 minutes 41 seconds) and 7,445 seconds (2 hours 4 minutes 5 seconds)" respectively, hitting island targets accurately.

The 'Bulhwacheol-3-31' is a new type of cruise missile that North Korea announced was "under development" on the 24th. Since it was described as the "first test launch" at that time, this appears to be the second launch within four days.

Photos released through the report show the missile surfacing at an oblique angle above the water. It is presumed to have been launched through a torpedo tube or similar, rather than a vertical launch system (VLS).

The agency stated, "The test launch did not affect the safety of neighboring countries in any way and was conducted completely independently of the regional situation," adding that Chairman Kim was highly satisfied with the test results.

It continued, "Chairman Kim specifically understood the nuclear submarine construction project on this day," and "discussed issues related to the construction of nuclear-powered submarines and other new vessels, clarified the immediate tasks and national countermeasures to be carried out by the relevant sectors, and gave important conclusions on the methods of implementation."

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un supervised the test launch of a submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) on the 28th and reviewed the construction project of a nuclear submarine, according to the Korean Central News Agency on the 29th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Two missiles are believed to have been launched the previous day, but the flight distance was not disclosed. North Korea revealed that the missiles were for submarine use but did not mention the name of the submarine or the launch platform. However, Chairman Kim unveiled the 'Kim Kun-ok Hero Ship' last September, which he claimed to be the first tactical nuclear attack submarine capable of nuclear strikes.

Chairman Kim said on the day, "The nuclear armament of the navy is an urgent task of the era and a core requirement for building the country's nuclear strategic forces," and "presented guiding tasks for realizing military nuclear armament and diversifying the operational space of the national nuclear deterrent."

Accompanying Chairman Kim during the on-site guidance were key officials from the navy, missile, and military industry sectors, including Navy Commander Kim Myong-sik, Missile General Bureau Director Jang Chang-ha, and Deputy Director of the Military Industry Department Kim Jong-sik.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced the previous day that North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles around 8 a.m. from waters near Sinpo City, Hamgyongnam-do, where submarine-related facilities are concentrated.

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