North Korea has tested a long-range cruise missile, sending out mixed signals. It is not a matter of outright high alarm, but there are worrying indicators.

Firstly, this is a cruise missile, not a ballistic missile. The former does not come under the UN sanctions, the latter does – because it flies faster, for longer range and can carry nuclear warheads. (North Korea had tested a ballistic missile in March despite the sanctions). However, this cruise missile has a range of 1,500 km or 930 miles, which it could reach Japan.

Secondly, as the state media has described it as a “strategic” missile, raising the possibility of nuclear warheads. Experts say there is no guarantee this secretive state would not develop smaller nuke heads for the cruise missile too, which would raise its threat potential multifold.

Thirdly, the country is facing a hunger crisis and even its leader, Kim Jong-un, has acknowledged food shortages. On top of that, its trade with China has nearly closed after closing the borders with the outbreak of Covid-19. Thus its economy is struggling. And yet it has found resources to devote to armament development – despite strict international sanctions. This is a worrisome sign. Within its neighborhood, this shows it is continuing the arms race with South Korea. Some commentators believe this is North Korea’s way of low-level provocation to gauge reactions.

Japan and South Korea have expressed concern, and the US said this shows North Korea’s "continuing focus on developing its military programme and the threats that poses to its neighbours and the international community.”

North Korea seems to be downplaying the potential of the new missile. Kim, who usually supervises all major weapon tests, did not attend the weekend tests. The development did not feature on the front page of the state-run newspaper either.

Also see:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58540915
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/13/world/asia/north-korea-cruise-missile-arms-race.html

Background on Korean missile arms race:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/world/asia/korea-missiles-arms-race.html

North Korean nuclear program:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41174689

https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/north-korea-crisis