SEOUL, Dec 25 (V7N) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test-firing of long-range surface-to-air missiles on Wednesday and visited a site constructing a nuclear-powered submarine, state media KCNA reported on Thursday.

The missile test, conducted near North Korea’s east coast, aimed to evaluate the country’s strategic technology for developing a new high-altitude missile. KCNA reported that the missiles successfully destroyed aerial targets from 200 km (124 miles) away.

In addition, Kim Jong Un inspected construction work on an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine capable of launching surface-to-air missiles. KCNA did not disclose the location or the date of the visit. The submarine project forms part of the ruling party’s efforts to modernize North Korea’s Navy, one of five key policies intended to strengthen national defense capabilities.

Kim emphasized that full development of nuclear capabilities and modernization of the Navy are “essential and inevitable,” citing the lack of global peace. He also criticized South Korea’s plan to develop a nuclear submarine in cooperation with the United States, stating that it could heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula and endanger North Korean national security.

North Korean state media further condemned the recent arrival of the U.S. nuclear-powered submarine USS Greeneville at Busan port, calling it “an act of escalating military tensions” in the region. The submarine’s visit was reported by the South Korean Navy to involve shore leave for the crew and resupply operations.

Earlier this week, North Korea also accused Japan of expressing intentions to acquire nuclear weapons, claiming that Seoul’s nuclear submarine program encouraged such ambitions.

The missile test and submarine inspection highlight North Korea’s continued focus on strengthening its strategic military capabilities amid rising regional tensions.

END/WD/AJ/