Another Front Opens as North Korea Fires Cruise Missiles

Seoul reports that North Korea has fired cruise missiles off its east coast, further escalating regional tensions amidst a recent spate of missile tests. Last Wednesday, North Korea test-fired the Pulhwasal-3-31, a new strategic cruise missile, adding to the more than 100 missiles it has tested since the beginning of 2022.

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The timing of these tests raises concerns, with some suggesting they are intended to divert global attention from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while simultaneously advancing North Korea’s nuclear program. Of particular focus is North Korea’s pursuit of hypersonic missiles, which can travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, maneuvering at relatively low altitudes. The key advantage of hypersonic missiles lies in their maneuverability rather than sheer speed, making them formidable against traditional missile defense systems.

Reports from Reuters indicate that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un identified securing hypersonic weapons as one of the main objectives in a five-year plan aimed at bolstering military power, alongside the development of solid-fuel ICBMs and a nuclear submarine. The strategic goal behind these advancements is to circumvent missile shields and early warning systems, enhancing North Korea’s offensive capabilities.

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These rapid missile launches coincide with a decision by South Korea and the US to strengthen their joint nuclear deterrence capabilities in response to North Korea’s evolving nuclear threats. Additionally, Pyongyang has not only conducted numerous missile tests but also launched a spy satellite, further complicating regional security dynamics.

The situation is exacerbated by the geopolitical alignments at play, with China backing North Korea while the US and Japan support South Korea. This complex web of alliances underscores the potential dangers of global powers vying for hegemony, perpetuating instability in the region.

Another Front Opens as North Korea Fires Cruise Missiles | Baaghi TV

View of what appears to be a submarine-launched cruise missile test at an undisclosed location in North Korea in this picture released by the Korean Central News Agency on January 28, 2024. KCNA via REUTERS

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A TV screen shows a file image of North Korea’s missile launch during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. South Korea’s military said Sunday that North Korea fired several cruise missiles that flew over waters near a major military shipyard on the country’s eastern coast, extending a streak in weapons tests that are worsening tensions with the United States, South Korea and Japan. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

In conclusion, North Korea’s continued missile tests, particularly the pursuit of hypersonic weapons, underscore the escalating tensions in the region and highlight the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address the underlying security concerns.

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The writer is a lawyer, academic and political analyst. She has authored a book titled ‘A Comparative Analysis of Media & Media Laws in Pakistan.’ She can be contacted at: yasmeenali62@gmail.com and tweets at @yasmeen_9