DPRK conducts new test of Pulhwasal-3-31 cruise missile
North Korea has tested a long-range cruise missile for submarines, the Pulhwasal-3-31. This was reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Here's What We Know
The launch took place on 25 January 2025 at the missile control test site. The agency noted that the test is part of efforts to build the country's defence capabilities to improve the effectiveness of strategic deterrence in line with changes in regional security.
According to the DPRK, the missiles accurately hit the targets after flying along elliptical and figure-eight trajectories with a total length of 1,500 km, which lasted for 7,507-7,511 seconds at an average speed of 200 m/s.
The Pulhwasal-3-31 missile. Illustration: KNCA
South Korea's military confirmed the launches by observing several missiles fired towards the Yellow Sea at around 16:00 on the same day. Detailed characteristics are being analysed by South Korean and US intelligence agencies.
The first test of the Pulhwasal-3-31 took place on 24 January 2024 from a land-based launcher, and on 28 February 2024 it was launched from a submarine. The missile is a modification of the Hwasal family, presented at the 2021 parade, adapted for submarine launch.
In early January 2025, the DPRK also tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile with a hypersonic warhead, which flew about 1,500 km at a speed 12 times faster than the speed of sound.
Source: KCNA
