Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen a test launch of long-range strategic cruise missiles, emphasizing the need for "unlimited and sustained" development of the nation's nuclear combat forces, state media reported Monday. The missile drill, conducted on Sunday in the Yellow Sea, showcased what was described as the "absolute reliability and combat readiness" of North Korea's strategic counterattack capabilities.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the strategic cruise missiles followed a predetermined flight path for 10,199 and 10,203 seconds before hitting their targets. Kim Jong-un reiterated that the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) remain committed to advancing the country's nuclear combat capabilities.

Kim underscored the necessity of regularly verifying the reliability and rapid response of North Korea's nuclear deterrent amidst various security threats. The South Korean military confirmed it detected multiple missile launches from the Sunan area near Pyongyang around 8 a.m. the previous day and noted the possibility of additional missile tests by North Korea by the year's end.

The missile launch follows Kim's recent inspection of new long-range anti-air missile tests in the East Sea. As North Korea prepares for next year's key party congress, Kim has increased his visits to military sites, seemingly to highlight the country's achievements in defense.

In a related development, Kim inspected the construction of an 8,700-ton "nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine" and warned that South Korea's plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines pose a threat to North Korea's security, which "must be countered," according to KCNA reports from Thursday.