North Korea has announced that it recently conducted a test of an “underwater nuclear weapons system.” The test is believed to be a response to joint military exercises conducted by the United States, South Korea, and Japan, which North Korea perceives as a threat to its security.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the test involved the “Haeil 5-23” system, a new model of an unmanned, nuclear-capable underwater attack drone. North Korea has been developing this system in the East Sea. While analysts remain uncertain about the readiness of North Korea’s underwater system for deployment, the country claims that its “underwater nuclear defense readiness condition has been further perfected.”
A spokesperson for North Korea’s defense ministry stated, “Our army’s underwater nuke-based countering posture is being further rounded off and its various maritime and underwater responsive actions will continue to deter the hostile military maneuvers of the navies of the U.S. and its allies.”
This test follows a series of recent provocations by North Korea, including the alleged firing of a medium-range missile with a hypersonic warhead. In response to these provocations, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan have been conducting joint naval exercises.
The recent test is the latest in a series of aggressive moves by North Korea. Last year, the country tested a new “secret” nuclear-capable underwater attack drone that was capable of generating a radioactive tsunami. This test was also framed as a response to military drills conducted by the U.S. and South Korea.
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has recently labeled South Korea as the “primary foe” and expressed preparedness for potential conflict. Kim has directed the North Korean military to “thoroughly annihilate” South Korea and the U.S. if provoked.
These developments have raised concerns about the potential for a conflict on the Korean Peninsula. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan have been taking steps to bolster their deterrence and response capabilities against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threat.
The international community will be closely monitoring the situation on the Korean Peninsula, as tensions continue to escalate. The actions and intentions of North Korea will have significant implications for regional stability and global security.
