Deutsche Welle3 hours agoWorld2 min read

North Korea says it tested cruise missiles to be launched from sub

Quick Look

North Korea tested submarine-launched cruise missiles to evaluate underwater combat systems and enhance naval capabilities, according to state media.
The tests occurred off the east coast of the Korean peninsula, with weapons described as strategic, implying potential nuclear armament.
The report did not confirm launches from actual submarines.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

North Korea has been advancing its missile and nuclear programs amid stalled diplomacy with the United States and severed inter-Korean relations. Recent activities include missile tests and Kim Jong Un's visit to a military museum displaying an ICBM capable of reaching the U.S.

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North Korea said Wednesday it test-fired cruise missiles designed to be fired from submarines to test the readiness of the country's underwater combat systems and strengthen the Navy's capabilities.

North Korea's state media said it carried out the tests in waters off the east coast of the Korean peninsula.

A North Korean state media report described the weapons as strategic, implying an intent to arm them with nuclear warheads.

But the report did not specify whether they were launched from an actual submarine or an underwater test platform.

North Korea has pushed ahead with modern missile submarines and both ballistic and cruise missile developments.

Pyongyang has tested various weapons in recent weeks to sharpen its military deterrence against the United States and South Korea, but it is not yet believed to have launched a modern missile submarine in full operation.

What to know about North Korea's relations with South Korea and the US

The latest development comes two days after the North Korean state media released photos of the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, visiting a new military museum in an undisclosed location in the country.

The museum displayed an intercontinental ballistic missile reportedly capable of reaching the US, photos released by KNCA state media showed.

Kim has made clear that boosting his country's nuclear arsenal was his key priority. Denuclearization, as the US has pushed for, is off the table in this case.

Relations between the North Korean leader and US President Donald Trump also appear to have quieted since the two haven't met in recent years.

US President Donald Trump, during his first term, met Kim three times. Earlier in the week, Trump, alluding to a trip to Asia next month, said he might meet Kim on the trip.

North Korea has put a halt to all coordination with South Korea and has removed all references to reunification with the South from its constitution.

Edited by: Sean Sinico

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

North Korea will continue testing underwater missile systems in the coming months
Likely · Within months
Diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and North Korea will remain stalled unless there is a shift in Pyongyang's denuclearization stance
Likely · Within months

Open Questions

Whether the cruise missiles were launched from an actual submarine or a test platform
If North Korea has operational missile submarines
Whether the U.S. and North Korea will resume direct talks
How South Korea will respond to the latest provocations

North Korea says it tested cruise missiles to be launched from sub

Quick Look

North Korea tested submarine-launched cruise missiles to evaluate underwater combat systems and enhance naval capabilities, according to state media.
The tests occurred off the east coast of the Korean peninsula, with weapons described as strategic, implying potential nuclear armament.
The report did not confirm launches from actual submarines.