North Korea Test-Fires Cruise Missiles & Vows Tough Action Against U.S.

North Korea test-fired cruise missiles on January 25, 2025, making its third missile launch this month, per the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The missiles, described as sea (underwater)-to-surface weapons, travelled about 1,500 kilometres (932 miles) in elliptical and figure-eight flight patterns, taking over two hours to hit their targets.

KCNA confirmed that the tests did not pose any risk to its neighbouring countries. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the missile launch, which KCNA referred to as a test of an “important weapon system.”

Per the report, Kim affirmed that the country’s war deterrence capabilities are “being perfected more thoroughly” and vowed to strengthen the military. He added that the country is committed to defending peace and stability through its advanced military power.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that North Korea launched several cruise missiles from an inland location toward the western waters at around 4 p.m. local time on Saturday.

As per reports, the missiles are being analysed in cooperation with U.S. intelligence agencies.

In a separate statement on Sunday, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry criticised the ongoing joining military exercises between South Korea and the United States, calling them provocative and a threat to its sovereignty and security,

The ministry declared that North Korea would take the “toughest counteraction” against Washington as long as it continues to reject Pyongyang’s sovereignty.

The joint drills, which the U.S. and South Korea describe as defensive, are seen as preparations for an invasion by North Korea.

The test follows U.S. President Trump’s Return to power. Trump, who met Kim three times during his first term, recently expressed his willingness to resume discussions with the North Korean leader.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump described Kim as “a smart guy” and confirmed plans to reach out to him.

Trump’s previous meetings with Kim, including a 2018 summit in Singapore, failed to produce lasting agreements due to disagreements over North Korea’s nuclear program and U.S.-led sanctions.

Experts say Kim may now feel he has greater bargaining power due to North Korea’s expanded nuclear arsenal and closer ties with Russia.

Meanwhile, South Korea is concerned about Trump’s deal with North Korea. Critics worry that he might focus only on reducing long-range missile threats to the U.S. while leaving North Korea’s nuclear capabilities against South Korea intact.

There also also fears that Trump might scale back U.S. South Korea military drills, as he did during his first term. North Korea’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to counter U.S. actions with the “toughest” measures.

Earlier this month, the country tested an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile.

Kim concluded that North Korea would “always make strenuous efforts” to defend its sovereignty and ensure lasting peace through its enhanced military strength.

References: Reuters, Bloomberg

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