North Korea has carried out fresh missile tests involving tactical ballistic missiles and AI-guided cruise weapons
May 27, 2026: North Korea on Wednesday announced that it had successfully tested a new multi-purpose missile launching system along with a multiple tactical cruise missile weapon system. According to state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the tests were supervised by leader Kim Jong Un as part of Pyongyang’s continuing efforts to strengthen its tactical and conventional military capabilities.
KCNA said the launches evaluated the power of a “special mission warhead” fitted on tactical ballistic missiles, the reliability of long-range multiple-launch artillery rockets, and the accuracy of AI-guided tactical cruise missiles. South Korea’s military had earlier confirmed the tests, stating that North Korea fired several projectiles, including a ballistic missile, from its west coast on Tuesday. Seoul said the missiles travelled nearly 80 kilometres.
During the exercise, Kim Jong Un described the weapons systems as a sign of major military and technological progress for North Korea. He reportedly said such destructive capabilities were essential for ensuring battlefield superiority. KCNA added that the tactical cruise missiles would be deployed near the border with South Korea. The latest launches mark North Korea’s eighth missile test this year, despite ongoing international sanctions aimed at restricting its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.