North Korea tests two submarine-launched missiles, state media reports
In brief
North Korea test-fired two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles off its east coast, state media KCNA reported. The tests come amid a series of weapons launches and worsening relations with South Korea, and KCNA said they demonstrated the country’s deterrent capabilities in the region.
Cruise missile tests reported
KCNA said the missiles were launched into the sea off North Korea’s east coast. One was a Pulhwasal-3-31, the same type that North Korea said it had tested from land the previous week.
The state media report described the launches as a demonstration of North Korea’s regional war deterrent. The article did not identify the other missile type.
Submarine capability remains uncertain
North Korea is not believed to have put a modern missile submarine into full operation. Developing one is a major military priority for leader Kim Jong Un, who has overseen work on strategic ballistic and cruise missiles. The reported launches were submarine-launched, but the article does not say whether they came from a modern operational missile submarine.
Relations between Koreas worsen
Inter-Korean relations have further deteriorated after a September landmine blast in the Demilitarized Zone wounded three soldiers. Seoul blamed North Korea for the blast. North Korea has stepped up military fortification along the DMZ under Kim’s “hostile-states” policy, launched in 2023 to permanently sever ties with South Korea.
Key points
- KCNA reported two types of submarine-launched cruise missile tests off North Korea’s east coast.
- One missile was a Pulhwasal-3-31, previously tested from land, according to North Korea.
- North Korea is not believed to have a modern missile submarine in full operation.
- The launches came amid rising tensions and weapons tests on both sides of the Korean border.