In response to joint naval exercises conducted by the United States, South Korea, and Japan, North Korea announced on Friday that it had tested an “underwater nuclear weapon system.” Pyongyang claimed that the drills, involving a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, posed a serious threat to its security. The North Korean defense ministry stated that the test of the underwater system, named ‘Haeil-5-23,’ took place in the East Sea of Korea.
This is not the first time North Korea has claimed to test an underwater nuclear weapon. In the previous year, the country stated that it had conducted multiple tests of an underwater nuclear attack drone, a different version of the Haeil, claiming it could unleash a “radioactive tsunami.” Analysts, however, have raised doubts about the existence of such a weapon.
The recent joint naval drills were carried out in response to North Korea’s launch of a hypersonic missile. The exercises, which involved nine warships, including the US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, were held off southern Jeju Island. North Korea criticized the drills, stating that they further destabilized the regional situation and seriously threatened its security.
The exact date of North Korea’s underwater nuclear system test was not disclosed. The defense ministry spokesman emphasized that the test enhanced the country’s “underwater nuke-based countering posture” and would deter hostile military maneuvers by the navies of the US and its allies.
Tensions between North and South Korea have escalated in recent months, with both sides abandoning key tension-reducing agreements, increasing frontier security, and conducting live-fire drills along the border. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared South Korea as his country’s “principal enemy” last week, leading to a deterioration in relations.
Analysts suggest that the announcement of the underwater test indicates the deployment of Haeil drones to North Korea’s navy fleets. However, opinions vary on the actual capabilities of North Korea’s purported underwater nuclear weapons systems, with some experts emphasizing the developing stage of the weapons.
At the end of the previous year, Kim Jong Un threatened a nuclear attack on South Korea during policy meetings, emphasizing the need for a military build-up. In a recent development, North Korea successfully launched a solid-fuel hypersonic missile, adding to the concerns over regional stability.
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