N Korea says tested another underwater nuclear attack ‘drone’

Second underwater drone test in just over two weeks as Pyongyang continues its efforts to expand and modernize its weapons.

North Korea has conducted another test of a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone, according to state media.

The country tested the so-called Haeil-2 more than a week after it unveiled a new underwater drone system called Haeil-1, which translates to “tsunami” in Korean, and is designed to launch sneak attacks in enemy waters.

Analysts are skeptical about whether the submersible is ready for deployment, but say North Korea is eager to show off its diverse weapons against the United States and South Korea, which have been conducting large-scale military exercises in recent weeks.

The latest test took place from April 4 to April 7, state media KCNA reported on Saturday.

“The nuclear attack drone Haeil-2 under water… covered 1000 km [621 miles] from simulated distance underwater,” the agency said, adding that the test warhead was also detonated.

“The test perfectly proved the reliability of the underwater strategic weapon system and its lethal attack capability,” the report said.

North Korea conducted a record number of weapons tests in 2022 and has maintained its military momentum this year. It claims it needs to bolster its defenses because of the US-South Korean exercises, which included at least one US B-52 carrying nuclear weapons this week. strategic bomber, are rehearsals for an invasion.

On March 23, North Korea claimed it had tested an underwater nuclear strike drone capable of unleashing a “radioactive tsunami.” On that occasion, state media said the drone was submerged for 59 hours and 12 minutes before detonating.

Satellite images have also indicated a high level of activity at North Korea’s main nuclear complex after Leader Kim Jong-un ordered production of nuclear materials for weapons to be ramped up.

Last year, North Korea declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power, while Kim has ordered the North Korean military to step up exercises in preparation for a “real war”.

Denuclearization talks have stalled since the second high-profile summit between Kim and then-US President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019.

Pyongyang is not allowed to test ballistic missiles under United Nations resolutions and is also subject to international sanctions over its weapons programs.