North Korea announces new test with underwater nuclear drone

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, state-controlled media reported Saturday. In this way all “enemy military actions” could be controlled. The largely isolated country sees the US and South Korea as enemies.

The test reportedly took place four days into Friday. The drone covered 1,000 kilometers of a “simulated underwater distance” in more than 71 hours before the test warhead exploded 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 already reported last month about the test of a “Haeil” drone that could be equipped with a nuclear warhead. North Korea’s statements about the test were subsequently questioned by the South Korean military.

North Korea is subject to severe international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs. After an unprecedented series of missile tests last year, the country has repeatedly tested nuclear-powered missiles and guided missiles this year, despite being banned by UN resolutions. The US and South Korea have resumed large-scale maneuvers since last year. (sda/dpa)