SEOUL: North Korea has conducted its third test of a nuclear-capable unmanned underwater attack weapon, state media reported on Saturday.
The underwater drone called “Haeil-2” was tested from April 4 to April 7 and successfully hit a simulated target after cruising 1,000 km (621 miles) for 71 hours and 6 minutes, according to the North’s KCNA state news agency. The agency also stated that the test proved the reliability of the underwater strategic weapon system and its fatal attack ability. This is the third test of a new category of nuclear weapon disclosed in state media.
Some analysts doubt whether the underwater vehicle is ready for deployment, but the KCNA said the system would help contain military action against North Korea.
Meanwhile, Photographs released by state media showed a large, dark-colored torpedo-shaped object, as well as tracks of the object’s underwater trajectory and blast visible on the surface of the sea.
North Korea has been regularly testing various weapons for months and ramped up its activity in recent weeks in response to joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises. The test comes as North Korea has continued to protest ongoing U.S.-South Korea military drills, and as Japan joined the two for naval drills in recent days. An unnamed “national defense scientific research institution” conducted the latest test, according to the Rodong Sinmun.
The development of nuclear-capable underwater attack drones is seen as a major concern among the regional and international community, as it poses a threat to maritime security and could destabilize the region. The latest test by North Korea will likely heighten tensions in the already volatile situation on the Korean peninsula.
