North Korea has started 2024 with a flurry of launches. After introducing a new solid-propellant maneuvering reentry vehicle-capable ballistic missile, Pyongyang’s focus has shifted to cruise missiles, conducting four separate launch events in a 10-day span between Jan. 24 and Feb. 2. 

These tests have involved the Hwasal-2, a medium-range cruise missile first introduced in 2021, and a new missile known as the Pulhwasal-3-31. Both systems have been described as nuclear-capable by North Korea. 

Cruise missiles have been an important component of North Korea’s ongoing qualitative military modernization efforts under Kim Jong Un’s five-year plan