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

North Korea tests cruise missiles designed to be launched from submarines

The full report

North Korean state media reported that the military test-fired cruise missiles designed to be launched from submarines. The tests were conducted in waters off the east coast of the Korean peninsula. The missiles were described as strategic, implying an intent to arm them with nuclear warheads. However, it is not specified 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. The country has tested various weapons in recent weeks to sharpen its military deterrence against the United States and South Korea. However, it is not yet believed to have launched a modern missile submarine in full operation.

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.

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. The country has also fired off a flurry of missiles in recent weeks, including multiple ballistic missiles towards the sea off its east coast and a hypersonic intermediate-range missile designed to evade missile defences in South Korea and Japan.