"North Korea Conducts Successful Tests of Submarine-Launched Cruise Missiles"

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test-firings of new cruise missiles designed for submarine launch and reviewed efforts to build a nuclear-powered submarine, reiterating his goal of building a nuclear-armed navy to counter perceived external threats. The missiles, Pulhwasal-3-31, were fired near the eastern port of Sinpo, with state media reporting that they flew for more than two hours before accurately striking an island target. Kim expressed satisfaction with the test and issued tasks for furthering the nuclear weaponization of the navy. The recent demonstrations come amid increasing tensions with the United States, South Korea, and Japan, as North Korea continues to accelerate its weapons development.