North Korea fired several cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea on Feb. 2, marking the second military exercise in just three days since Jan. 30 and the fourth such military exercise in 10 days.
Cruise missiles are seen as a relatively accurate long-range strike** capable of evading radar detection at low altitudes and performing strikes against intended targets. Although the number of missiles launched this time is not disclosed, it is enough to prove that North Korea is working to improve its best systems, especially to improve its strike capabilities in specific areas.
South Korea's Joint Staff Headquarters expressed great concern about North Korea's cruise missile launch, noting that despite the missiles' short flight time and range
But the act clearly demonstrated to South Korea and the United States that North Korea intends to demonstrate its ability to strike the South Korea-US alliance through military means.
South Korean and U.S. military and intelligence agencies are urgently stepping up surveillance and vigilance measures, while carefully analyzing the data collected to assess the specific intentions and potential follow-up actions of the North Korean operation. This intense surveillance and analysis process involves not only technical challenges, but also an interpretation of North Korea's military strategic intent.
North Korea's missile launch took place almost simultaneously with the first special operations exercise of 2024 between South Korea and the United States, which began on January 22 at the Rodriguez base of the U.S. military in South Korea to improve the combat skills of the special forces of both sides. The exercise involved not only complex ground tactical training, but also highly classified intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism combat simulations. Members of the Special Operations Forces conducted a series of challenging mission drills in a high-intensity, high-stress environment to ensure a quick and effective response to real-world battlefield situations.
The ROK Air Force plans to participate in the joint multinational air force exercise "Counter the North 2024" in **, which is aimed at countering the threat from North Korea and demonstrating the unity of the international community in military cooperation. The exercise included not only the ROK Air Force, but also air force units from other countries conducting a series of training on air combat, strategic strike, and defensive tactics.
North Korea conducted a training launch with the launch of the Arrow-2 strategic cruise missile, which was not only a counterattack to the joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, but also a clear demonstration of its long-range strike capability and unyielding attitude. This type of missile training involves highly complex technical and tactical preparations, from missile preparation and launch to the final target precision strike, each step requires precise calculations and careful planning. Through such training, North Korea aims to improve the operational proficiency and tactical execution capabilities of its Strategic Missile Forces, further cementing its position as a country with long-range strike capabilities.
The joint military exercises of South Korea, the United States and Japan at sea triggered a major test of the Tsunami-5-23 underwater nuclear ** system in the waters of the East China Sea by North Korea as a further countermeasure to the military action of South Korea, the United States and Japan. This test is not only a comprehensive test of the performance of the underwater nuclear system, but also an important step forward in the DPRK's nuclear development and strategic deterrence capability.
Through this high-intensity military act, North Korea intends to demonstrate to South Korea, the United States, and Japan its determination and ability to maintain strategic balance and regional security. The holding of this test has undoubtedly increased tensions in the region, and at the same time sent a clear signal to the international community that the DPRK will do whatever it takes to safeguard its interests and interests.
With the escalation of military activity between the United States and South Korea and North Korea's missile launches, the situation on the Korean Peninsula has become increasingly tense. In this context, restraint on both sides is particularly important, as excessive actions by either side may trigger undesirable consequences.
Although military exercises and tests are, to a certain extent, a conventional means for countries to maintain and demonstrate their military strength, in the current geopolitical environment, these actions can easily be interpreted as provocations or threats, leading to further deterioration of the situation. Therefore, when conducting military deployments and strategic planning, the two sides must fully take into account the impact of the operation on the stability of the situation and the possible response of the international community, so as to ensure that they do not strayed into the vortex of conflict while pursuing their national interests.
In the tense situation on the Korean Peninsula, every military exercise, missile launch or strategic test is not only a display of technology, but also a strategic game of all parties on the international stage. In this seemingly endless game, every action can be an opportunity to escalate tensions or start a conversation.
Despite the current show of strength and resolve on both sides, in this environment of uncertainty and risk, the real wisdom may lie not in who can demonstrate greater military might, but in who can use diplomacy and negotiation more effectively to avoid conflict while seeking lasting peace. However, the difficulty and complexity of such an approach is self-evident and requires more than unilateral restraint, but a joint effort by all parties involved to find a solution based on understanding and respect for each other's security concerns.