North Korea announced it fired a new long-range cruise missile over the weekend. Despite international condemnation, the country relentlessly tests missiles, some of which have resulted in sanctions because they violated UN Security Council resolutions.

North Korea has fired nearly 150 missiles over the last 40 years. 

Why does the east-asian country keep making these launches happen if they come at such a massive cost to its economy?

Because it can

North Korea has dozens of new weapons developed under Kim Jong-un. These missiles are more powerful and happen to go farther and faster. For Pyongyang, these missiles are treasured swords, which it claimed are imperative for their protection against any kind of invasion. 

Keeping up with the neighbours

Although South Korea does not have nuclear weapons, its ally, the US, has them. Furthermore, the US has nearly 28,000 troops in Korea. Their joint exercises continue to be watched by North Korea. The North Korean regime sees those exercises as a preparation of war and thus, often tests missiles in response. 

To rally the people

The leadership uses these weapons in North Korea to rally the people. The media reports in North Korea regarding missile tests are often aimed at a domestic audience. The economic situation in North Korea is dire at the moment. The self-imposed exile to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has led to dwindling supplies from China. 

To be taken seriously

Apart from all the stated reasons, this one is significant. North Korea wants to be taken seriously by their neighbours, allies, the US, and the world, report BBC. According to analysts, its long-term aim is to become a nuclear power for the world to accept it has nuclear weapons. Therefore, it is plowing its limited funds into nuclear expansion at the expense of its own people, the report said.