Kim Jong Un long-range cruise missile test 2025: Vow for Unlimited Nuclear Growth

"Unlimited and sustained." That's the chilling mandate from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as he oversaw a strategic missile drill on Sunday, December 28, 2025. According to the KCNA, Kim expressed deep satisfaction after long-range strategic cruise missiles hit their targets in the waters west of the Korean Peninsula.

Why Kim Jong Un’s Long-Range Cruise Missile Test Matters in 2025

This latest display of force isn't just a routine check. It's a calculated move ahead of the ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea set for early 2026. As the country nears the end of its current five-year plan, Kim is eager to showcase military dominance. The South Korean military detected multiple launches from the Sunan area near Pyongyang on Sunday morning, warning that further tests could follow before the year ends.

Expanding the Nuclear Deterrent Below the Waves

Beyond the flight paths of cruise missiles, Kim is also pivoting toward naval supremacy. Reports from last Thursday revealed him inspecting a massive 8,700-tonne nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine currently under construction. He was joined by his daughter, a potential successor, signaling a multi-generational commitment to the regime's nuclear posture. Kim specifically cited Seoul's own nuclear submarine ambitions as a security threat that must be countered with "all efforts."

The geopolitical landscape has shifted in Pyongyang's favor. Following the collapse of the 2019 summit with Donald Trump, North Korea has pivoted hard toward Russia. By sending thousands of troops to support Moscow's war in Ukraine, Kim has secured critical technical and diplomatic support, making his nuclear status seem more "irreversible" than ever. Despite recent outreach from the U.S., the North remains silent, focusing instead on its domestic 2026 roadmap.