North Korea announces test of nuclear-capable underwater drone

North Korea says it has tested a new kind of military underwater drone that can be equipped with a nuclear warhead. The unmanned underwater vehicle “Haeil” for a nuclear attack could be detonated underwater, causing a “super-sized radioactive tsunami,” state media reported Friday. The information cannot be independently verified. The largely isolated state is subject to severe international sanctions over its nuclear weapons and missile programs.

According to the reports, the drone test was conducted as part of a Tuesday-Thursday commando exercise to draw the enemy’s attention to “a current nuclear crisis”. Strategic cruise missiles were also tested to simulate a nuclear strike. North Korea sees the United States and South Korea as enemies. The military in South Korea had detected the launch of several guided missiles by North Korea on the east coast on Wednesday.

The drone has been described by North Korea as a secret weapon. It can be deployed “on any coast and port or towed by a surface ship,” it said. The test took place on Thursday to practice attacking an enemy port. The test warhead exploded off the east coast at a depth of 80 to 150 metres.

Tensions are currently rising on the Korean peninsula. The tests are also in response to new US military exercises with South Korea. After an unprecedented series of missile tests last year, North Korea has repeatedly tested nuclear-powered missiles and guided missiles this year, despite being banned by UN resolutions. The US and South Korea resume large-scale maneuvers. (sda/dpa)