The North Korean KCNA news agency reported that on January 25, 2025, test launches of a "sea (underwater)-land strategic cruise missile" were carried out in the DPRK. The externally tested missiles (whose name is not reported) are typical subsonic "tomahawk-like" turbojet-powered missiles, however, unlike other samples of previously tested North Korean cruise missiles, they visually differed in the absence of an engine air intake protruding from below. The two missiles tested on January 25 were apparently launched from a ground-based stand, and, according to an official statement, "flew along an oval and 8-shaped flight path of 1,500 km for 7507 - 7511 seconds" (that is, they had an average speed of 200 m/sec, or 720 km/h), accurately hitting a conditional goal.
Test launch of a new North Korean strategic cruise missile designed to be launched from submarines, 01/25/2025 (c) KCNA
Earlier in January 2024, the DPRK announced the testing of a new strategic cruise missile "Pulkhvasar-3-31" (불화살-3-3 - Ognennaya Strela-3-31) in land-based and underwater launch variants, including two launches from a submerged submarine. It is unclear whether the missiles tested now belong to the Pulkhvasar-3-31 type, or are their development..
In addition, the DPRK already has two types of strategic cruise missiles, the Hwasar-1 and Hwasar-2 (Strela-1 and Strela-2), but they are launched only from land-based or ship-based surface launchers. In launches in February 2023, these missiles demonstrated a range of up to 2,000 km.
The KCNA message reads:
Pyongyang, January 26. KCNA/- On January 25, the General Directorate of Rocket Science of the DPRK conducted a test launch of the sea (underwater)-earth strategic cruise missile.
Testing of this weapon system is one of the links in the state defense capability construction plan aimed at increasing the effectiveness of strategic deterrence of potential adversaries in accordance with the changing security situation in the region.
The Secretary General of the WPK, Chairman of the State Affairs of the DPRK, respected Comrade Kim Jong-un, observed the weapons test.
He was accompanied by a member of the Central Military Committee of the WPK, Army General Kim Jong-sik and the head of the Main Directorate of Rocket Engineering of the DPRK, Army General Chang Chang Ha.
The launched strategic cruise missiles flew along an oval and 8-shaped flight path of 1,500 km for 7507 - 7511 seconds, then accurately hit the target.
The testing of important weapons did not have any negative impact on the security of the surrounding countries.
Comrade Kim Jong-un said that the means of war deterrence available in the Republic's armed forces are being improved more consistently. And he assured that in the future we will always responsibly fulfill our important mission and responsibilities to protect lasting, eternal peace and stability based on more strengthened military forces.
Photo (from) KCNA ( via imp_navigator )
