Khaberni - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised new tests of strategic cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles launched from a naval destroyer, according to the official Central Korean News Agency, on Tuesday.
The agency said the tests were conducted on Sunday. These are the latest in a series of recent missile launches by the nuclear-armed state.
The agency added that the strategic cruise missiles flew for approximately 7,900 seconds, or more than two hours, while the anti-ship missiles flew for about 2,000 seconds (33 minutes).
The missiles "flew along predetermined flight orbits over the West Sea of Korea (the North Korean name for the Yellow Sea) and struck the targets with high accuracy," according to the agency.
Nuclear Deterrence
The tests were conducted from the destroyer "Choi Hyun," one of two destroyers each weighing 5 thousand tons in North Korea's arsenal, launched last year as part of Kim's efforts to enhance the country's naval capabilities.
A photo published by the news agency shows a missile in its initial flight phase after being launched from the warship, with orange flame rising from its tail, while another shows Kim watching the launch from a distance surrounded by naval officials.
The agency also stated that Kim also received a briefing, on Tuesday, about the planning for weapon systems for two other destroyers under construction.
The agency continued that Kim "expressed great satisfaction with the fact that our army's readiness for strategic action has been enhanced", noting that he reaffirmed that enhancing North Korea's nuclear deterrence is "the top priority task."
North Korea stated that the destroyer "Choi Hyun" is equipped with "the most potent weapons," and Kim has conducted multiple inspections of ships of its class since last month.
