conflicts
North Korea announces underwater nuclear drone test
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. photo
© -/KCNA/dpa
The drone is said to have “superior military potential,” according to North Korean state media. It is the second attempt of this kind within a few weeks.
North Korea says it has tested a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone. The unmanned underwater vehicle “Haeil-2” has “superior military potential” for the future of its own armed forces, the state-controlled media reported. In this way, all “enemy military actions” could be kept in check. The largely isolated country sees the USA and South Korea as enemies.
The test reportedly took place four days until Friday. The drone traveled 1,000 kilometers of a “simulated underwater distance” in more than 71 hours before the test warhead detonated in the target area off the east coast. The test run confirmed the reliability and attack capability of the strategic weapon system.
The information cannot be independently verified. The North Korean media reported last month on the test of a “Haeil” drone that could be equipped with a nuclear warhead. The statements made by North Korea about the test were then questioned by the South Korean military.
North Korea is subject to tough international sanctions for its nuclear weapons and missile programs. After an unprecedented series of missile tests last year, the country has repeatedly tested nuclear-capable missiles and guided missiles again this year, despite a ban by UN resolutions. The US and South Korea have resumed full-scale maneuvers since last year.