North Korea conducts nuclear‑capable cruise missile test

North Korea has conducted a series of weapons tests involving multiple new systems, including a nuclear-capable cruise missile intended for deployment near the border with South Korea. The launches, which took place on Tuesday, were personally supervised by leader Kim Jong Un, according to state media reports released the following day.

South Korea's military initially confirmed the launch of multiple projectiles from North Korea's west coast, stating that at least one short-range ballistic missile flew approximately 80 kilometers, or 50 miles, toward the sea west of the Korean Peninsula. In a detailed report on Wednesday, North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency said the tests featured ballistic missiles with new warheads designed for battlefield nuclear use, nuclear-capable cruise missiles guided by artificial intelligence technology, and 240-millimeter rocket artillery equipped with ultra-precision navigation systems.

The agency reported that Kim expressed particular satisfaction with the cruise missile systems, which are slated for deployment with long-range artillery units facing South Korea. He called for accelerated efforts to modernize and strengthen his...