North Korea Tests Strategic Cruise Missiles from Submarine Amid Rising Tensions
North Korea conducts submarine-launched missile tests, heightening regional security concerns amid ongoing tensions.
Seoul, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : North Korea conducted tests of two types of strategic cruise missiles launched from a submarine in the East Sea on Wednesday. There are concerns that the tests were carried out from a 3,000-ton nuclear attack submarine that was launched in 2023.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported this information, as relayed by Yonhap News Agency, on Thursday. However, the KCNA did not clarify whether the missiles were launched from a submarine or another testing platform.
According to KCNA, the purpose of the tests was to assess the operational readiness of underwater weapon systems. North Korea claimed that the tests would enhance the navy’s capability to conduct strategic operations and demonstrate the reliability of the country’s defense capabilities.
The tests were monitored by Kim Jong-sik, a member of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Central Military Commission, and Jang Chang-ha, the director of missile administration. Engineers associated with the navy’s underwater weapon systems were also present during the tests.
However, KCNA did not disclose the names, ranges, or technical details of the missiles tested. South Korea also did not provide immediate detailed information regarding the tests conducted on Wednesday.
This testing follows North Korea’s launch of several tactical ballistic missiles toward the East Sea from the Pyongyang area on Monday. KCNA stated on Tuesday that the purpose of that test was to confirm the success of an important technical component upgrade.
The development of submarine-launched strategic missiles is part of North Korea’s broader efforts to enhance its military capabilities. Such systems provide the ability to launch attacks from underwater, making it more challenging for adversaries to detect launch sites and respond in a timely manner.
North Korea has linked its military programs to strengthening the country’s defense capabilities. Meanwhile, the recent missile tests and escalating tensions between the two Koreas have raised concerns about regional security.
