North Korea Defence Forum

[Beijingwalker]

North Korea tests long-range, nuclear-capable cruise missiles​

A projectile is launched as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a long-range "strategic" cruise missile drill, state-run media said Monday. | KCNA / via REUTERS
By Jesse Johnson

Dec 29, 2025

North Korea has test-fired two long-range “strategic” cruise missiles, state media said Monday, as leader Kim Jong Un pledged to continue the “unlimited and sustained development” of his country’s nuclear forces.

Kim said that exercises, which were held over the Yellow Sea a day earlier, were for “checking the reliability and rapid response” of North Korea’s “nuclear deterrent on a regular basis and steadily demonstrating their might,” the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

The North Korean strongman said that the ruling party and government would “devote all their efforts to the unlimited and sustained development of the state nuclear combat force.”

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/12/29/asia-pacific/north-korea-strategic-cruise-missiles/

 

[Beijingwalker]

What if they already have nuclear weapons?

It's impossible for Japan to hide it from US and US will never allow Japan to have nuclear weapons.

 

[ety]

What if they already have nuclear weapons?

Then we probably know esp Uncle Sam. People are not saying it has.

 

[Beijingwalker]

North Korea tests long-range cruise missiles: state media​

Nik Martin with AFP, Reuters
Dec 29, 2025

Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the launching drill for new long‑range cruise missiles, according to state media. The test marks the latest flashpoint in tensions over Pyongyang's expanding nuclear ambitions.

KCNA reported that the cruise missiles flew above the sea west of the Korean Peninsula ‍and hit their target

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a long-range strategic cruise missile launching drill, state media KCNA reported on Monday.

During Sunday's drill, Kim urged "unlimited and sustained" development of the country's nuclear weapons forces, according to KCNA.

He expressed satisfaction as the cruise missiles flew along their preset orbit above the sea west of the Korean Peninsula and accurately hit their targets, KCNA added.

Kim: Missile test a 'responsible exercise'​

Kim described regular checks on the reliability and rapid response capabilities of the components of the North's nuclear deterrent as "just a responsible exercise," given that the country "is facing various security threats."

He affirmed that Pyongyang would continue devoting all its efforts to developing its nuclear combat force, KCNA reported.

The test follows last week's release of new images by North Korea showing significant progress on its first nuclear-powered submarine.

State media photos depicted Kim inspecting a nearly completed 8,700-ton hull at a shipyard.

South Korean president to seek China's help​

These military advancements have further heightened tensions in the region, coinciding with preparations for South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's planned visit to China in early January

Lee is expected to seek Beijing's cooperation on addressing Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions and related security issues.

Meanwhile, Japan, South Korea and the United States have conducted expanded joint air drills in recent weeks, including US B-52 bombers flying with Japanese fighter jets over the Sea of Japan earlier this month.

Pyongyang has accused such activities of undermining regional stability.

The developments occur amid a longstanding standoff over North Korea's nuclear program, encompassing warheads, ballistic missiles, and submarine-launched systems.

US President Donald Trump has expressed willingness for fresh engagement, urging Pyongyang to re-engage with Washington and regional partners.

North Korea tests long-range cruise missiles: state media – DW – 12/29/2025

Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the launching drill for new long‑range cruise missiles, according to state media. The test marks the latest flashpoint in tensions over Pyongyang's expanding nuclear ambitions.

www.dw.com

 

[muhammed45]

Imagine Japanese think about taking revenge and drops a couple of nuclear warheads on Washington, New York and California. Lol

Chinese history regarding Japan is not brutal. China has treated its neighbouring island nicely.

How comes Japan is hiding something to use against the US?

 

[Pakistan Space Agency]

It's impossible for Japan to hide it from US and US will never allow Japan to have nuclear weapons.

Then we probably know esp Uncle Sam. People are not saying it has.

If China can allow North Korea nuclear weapons to deter the US-Japan alliance, don't you think the US can allow Japan to do the same to deter the China-North alliance?

It's not exactly rocket science considering how the US is wanting regional powers to be responsible for their own regions as per its new foreign policy as of December 2025.

 

[Foinikas]

And why are you posting this...? To snub Japan?

 

[Michael]

If China can allow North Korea nuclear weapons to deter the US-Japan alliance, don't you think the US can allow Japan to do the same to deter the China-North alliance?

It's not exactly rocket science considering how the US is wanting regional powers to be responsible for their own regions as per its new foreign policy as of December 2025.

From a national strategic security perspective, it is highly unlikely that China would allow North Korea to independently possess long-range nuclear weapons.

But, in China's latest defense white paper, the text describing the issue of nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula has been removed.

We don't know what happened here.

 

[Beijingwalker]

If China can allow North Korea nuclear weapons to deter the US-Japan alliance, don't you think the US can allow Japan to do the same to deter the China-North alliance?

It's not exactly rocket science considering how the US is wanting regional powers to be responsible for their own regions as per its new foreign policy as of December 2025.

Contrary to what the west believes, China doesn't have much influence on N.Korea, not a single Chinese solider stations in N.Korea and China doesn't have any military facilities in N.Korea either.
US contrals Japan in almost every aspect, politics, military, foreign policies, economy... even Japan's constitution was written by Americans, comparing the relations between China/N.Korea to US/Japan is totally wrong.

 

[Pakistan Space Agency]

... US contrals Japan in almost every aspect, politics, military, foreign policies, economy... even Japan's constitution was written by Americans, comparing the relations between China/N.Korea to US/Japan is totally wrong.

US is trying to move away from "controlling" everyone and all the situations everywhere at the same time.

• The US suddenly and very abruptly withdrew all it's troops from Germany in 2020 that even surprised the Germans back then.
• Japan is looking to update it's Constitution and making it's military more offensive rather than just being defensive only - Americans have no problem with it.

 

[Beijingwalker]

US is trying to move away from "controlling" everyone and all the situations everywhere at the same time.

• The US suddenly and very abruptly withdrew all it's troops from Germany in 2020 that even surprised the Germans back then.
• Japan is looking to update it's Constitution and making it's military more offensive rather than just being defensive only - Americans have no problem with it.

Still, China/N.Korea relationship resembles nothing to US/Japan's.

 

[Michael]

 

[Michael]

The Japanese Ministry of Defense released a statement:

North Korea launched at least two ballistic missiles eastward from near its west coast this morning (January 4th). Both ballistic missiles may have flown along irregular trajectories, and this is currently under analysis.

【お知らせ：北朝鮮のミサイル等関連情報】

北朝鮮が発射した弾道ミサイルに関する続報です。

www.mod.go.jp

 

[Michael]

 

[Michael]

The Japanese Ministry of Defense released a statement:

North Korea launched at least two ballistic missiles eastward from near its west coast this morning (January 4th). Both ballistic missiles may have flown along irregular trajectories, and this is currently under analysis.

View attachment 169804

【お知らせ：北朝鮮のミサイル等関連情報】

北朝鮮が発射した弾道ミサイルに関する続報です。

www.mod.go.jp

According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA):
On January 4th, North Korea test-fired a hypersonic missile, launching two hypersonic missiles into its eastern waters, the Sea of Japan. The missiles flew 1,000 kilometers before hitting their intended targets.

KCNA | Article | Hypersonic Missile Launching Drill Conducted in DPRK

Hypersonic Missile Launching Drill Conducted in DPRK

www.kcna.kp