Kim Jong Un oversees cruise missile launch drill

(Patria) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday oversaw a drill for launching long-range strategic cruise missiles, state media KCNA reported on Monday, Reuters reports.

The launch is the latest event Kim has attended in a series of activities to highlight the country's military and economic progress ahead of a key party congress expected in early 2026, which will set North Korea's development plan for the next five years.

Kim expressed satisfaction as the cruise missiles flew along their set orbit over the sea west of the Korean Peninsula and hit their target, KCNA said.

Kim said that "the regular verification of the reliability and rapid response of the DPRK's nuclear deterrence components... (is) merely a responsible drill," as the country "faces various security threats," using North Korea's official name - the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Kim said North Korea will continue to devote all its efforts to developing its nuclear combat forces, KCNA reported.

Sunday's launch follows last week's KCNA report that Kim, along with his daughter, a possible successor, observed the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine and oversaw a test launch of long-range surface-to-air missiles.

Kim also attended the opening ceremony of a paper factory on Sunday, KCNA said.

Over the past month, Kim has attended several facility openings, including factories and hotels, as the country rushes to complete its current "five-year plan" of development before convening the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea in early 2026.