Leader Kim Jong-un calls for readiness to use nuclear weapons

According to RIA Novosti on February 28, North Korean state news agency KCNA reported that in the latest strategic cruise missile tests, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for improving the combat readiness of strategic forces.

“Comrade Kim Jong-un noted that the most advanced deterrence and defense capabilities are ensured by a powerful strike force. He stressed that the tasks and responsibilities of the DPRK's nuclear armed forces are constantly being improved, especially the combat readiness of the nuclear armed forces, fully prepared for use, thus forever defending the sovereignty and security of the country with a reliable nuclear deterrent,” KCNA noted.

In addition, KCNA stressed that the purpose of the drills is to demonstrate the counterattack capability of the DPRK Armed Forces in all spaces.

Earlier on February 26, the North Korean army's missile unit held a drill off the country's west coast, supervised by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. According to KCNA, the drill aimed to "confirm to the enemy the North Korean army's counterattack capability, the combat readiness of various means for nuclear warfare, and demonstrate the reliability of Pyongyang's nuclear deterrence capability."

KCNA reported that the missile launched in the test hit its target after flying more than 1,500 km along an oval trajectory, without specifying the type of missile used.

This is North Korea's fourth missile test since the beginning of the year. The most recent launch was on January 25, when they tested a warhead launched from underwater.