"North Korea Conducts Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile Tests Under Kim Jong Un's Supervision"

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test firing 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 tested from land-based launches and then from a submarine, flying for over two hours before accurately striking an island target. While North Korea aims to bolster its deterrent with the ability to conduct nuclear strikes from underwater, experts believe building a fleet of reliable missile-firing submarines would require considerable time, resources, and technological improvements. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated as Kim accelerates weapons development and issues provocative threats, prompting the U.S., South Korea, and Japan to expand military exercises and deterrence strategies.