North Korea Tests Strategic Cruise Missiles From Submarine in Sea of Japan

North Korea tested two types of strategic cruise missiles in the Sea of Japan on October 14, according to the state-run Korean Central NewsAgency (KCNA).

The tests aimed to check the readiness of its submarine-based weapons systems and improve the navy’s ability to carry out strategic missions.

The missiles were launched from the submarine Hero Kim Kun Ok. North Korea launched the submarine in September 2023 and described it as one of the key assets in its navy’s offensive capabilities.

KCNA did not specify the exact types of missiles tested. However, available photographs suggest that one of the missiles may have been a Pulhwasal-3-31.

This is suggested by the missile’s whitish coloring, which was also seen on this variant during previous demonstrations.

The last known launch of a Pulhwasal missile from a submarine took place in January 2024.

Meanwhile, on January 25, 2025, North Korea launched a cruise missile from a ground-based launcher.

Judging by appearance, its slightly different variant was used, as the missile lacked the white coloring and air intake characteristic of the Pulhwasal-3-31.

However, analysts believe this variant may be an upgraded version of the Pulhwasal-3-31.

Pulhwasal-3-31 Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile

The Pulhwasal-3-31 is a strategic cruise missile with an estimated range of around 2,000 km. North Korea first tested and unveiled it on January 24, 2024.

The Pulhwasal-3-31 is believed to be an upgraded version of a sea-launched strategic cruise missile that North Korea unveiled on March 13, 2023, during a launch from the 8.24 Yongung submarine.

The second launch of the Pulhwasal-3-31 missile took place on January 28, 2024. During the test, North Korean forces launched two missiles from a submarine near the Sinpo naval base on the country’s east coast. Kim Jong Un observed the tests.

The missiles flew over the East China Sea for 2 hours, 3 minutes and 41 seconds, and 2 hours, 4 minutes and 5 seconds, respectively, before hitting island targets. North Korea did not disclose how far the missiles traveled.

More information on the topic in the Militarnyi’s article: “North Korea’s Missile Program: Cruise Missiles.”