North Korea announced it tested two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles to assess its navy’s abilities and war deterrent reliability. The country is working on modern missile submarines and has tested various missiles from different platforms. These tests are part of North Korea’s goal to create a strong sea-based nuclear deterrent, a top military focus for leader Kim Jong Un, although experts believe full operational capabilities are still lacking.
Senior military officials observed the tests off North Korea’s east coast. Details released by state media KCNA were limited, but they claimed the tests did not threaten neighboring countries. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) tracked the missile launches and identified that one type was launched from a vertical launch system, and another from a torpedo tube.
Photos showed the launches came from the “Kim Kun Ok Hero,” a new submarine. Analysts noted that the tests suggest preparation for deployment. They predict North Korea may soon test a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). The use of vertical launch systems could allow for faster missile launches and more complex defense challenges. Despite these developments, experts believe that North Korea still has limited operational capabilities in underwater launches and SLBM operations.
With information from Reuters
