North Korea says it tested two types of strategic cruise missiles designed for submarine launch in waters off its eastern coast. The launches took place on Wednesday, October 14, and were announced by state media the following day.
Pyongyang described the tests as a way to assess the readiness of its underwater combat systems and demonstrate the reliability of its nuclear deterrent. It said the missiles flew over the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, and that the exercise posed no threat to neighbouring countries.
The launch platform was not named. Images released with the announcement appeared to show missiles emerging from the sea, but they did not independently establish which vessel or system was used.
Part of a broader weapons programme
The tests add to a series of weapons demonstrations by North Korea this month, including ballistic missile launches detected by South Korea and Japan. Submarine-launched weapons can complicate early warning because they may be fired from locations harder to monitor than fixed land sites.
North Korea presents its weapons programme as a deterrent against the United States and South Korea. Those governments view the tests as a source of regional security concern. The latest announcement provides no independent assessment of the missiles’ performance or operational readiness.
