Unlike ballistic missiles, North Korea's new cruise missiles have the potential to evade
Although ballistic missiles can penetratea much greater distance than from North Korea to Japan, they have a drawback. They are much easier to detect, and therefore prepare for a local evacuation and, perhaps, even respond to a strike. For example, launch a nuclear counterattack before the missiles hit their targets.
On the contrary, cruise missiles are more maneuverable andkeep closer to the surface, making them harder for enemy armed forces to spot. Geoffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program, said the cruise missile's ability to bypass defenses is consistent with Kim Jong-un's goal of deterring US-led attacks. "North Korea's military plan is to launch a preemptive strike against US forces in South Korea and Japan if an invasion appears imminent," Lewis explains in the Time report. "Cruise missiles have advantages in terms of surprise, penetration and accuracy."
Last time Pyongyang conducted similar testsin March. Then two new tactical missiles were launched in the Sea of Japan. They flew about 600 km. According to North Korean media reports, these missiles are capable of carrying a warhead weighing up to 2.5 tons.
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