At dawn of October 3, a drill was staged to launch an intermediate-range strategic missile from an eastern region of the DPRK toward the East Sea of Korea.

The drill was conducted as part of the efforts to make the missile soldiers operating the hypersonic strategic weapon system skilled in handling their equipment and evaluate the reliability, efficiency and mobility of the DPRK's war deterrent.

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, oversaw the launching drill on the spot.

The drill was watched by Kim Jong Sik, first deputy department director of the WPK Central Committee, and Jang Chang Ha, general director of the Missile Administration of the DPRK.

Noting that it is a very important measure and a responsible activity in ensuring national security to build up the powerful and reliable nuclear deterrent through the continuous verification of the major components of the war deterrent, improvement of their performance and achievement of mastery of their operation and to demonstrate the counterattack means of our army in a constant mobilization posture, Comrade Kim Jong Un said:

"Through today's launching drill, the strategic missile soldiers have fully shown their very proficient professional qualifications in operating the major offensive weapon system and their standby posture for counterattack, and assured the reliability of our deterrent.

“I highly appreciate the commanding officers and soldiers of the missile unit, who participated in the drill.

“We must continue our compelling efforts without letup to constantly and repeatedly make the enemy recognize the reliability and lethality of our strategic offensive means.