On Sunday, the KCNA news agency in North Korea said that the country had practiced a simulated “tactical nuclear attack” using two long-range missiles that were equipped with dummy nuclear warheads.

The strategic decision underscores North Korea’s preparation for nuclear combat and its intention to strengthen military deterrence against South Korea and the United States, serving as a stern message to potential rivals.

Two cruise missiles with fictitious nuclear warheads apiece were fired during the exercise toward the West Sea off the coast of the Korean Peninsula.

The missiles kept their predetermined altitude of 150 meters while traveling 1,500 kilometers (930 miles).

This event comes as the latest in a series of missile tests and military exercises conducted by Pyongyang in recent weeks, including a failed spy satellite launch in the previous month.

The drill followed the conclusion of the joint annual summertime exercises between South Korea and the United States, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield.

The exercises featured air drills with B-1B bombers and were met with opposition from North Korea, which has long regarded them as a rehearsal for war.

In response, North Korea fired two ballistic missiles, demonstrating its displeasure with the deployment of U.S. strategic bombers.