North Korea claimed to have tested the Hale 5-23 system it was developing in the East Sea, or Sea of Japan, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
This appears to be a new model of the nuclear-capable underwater attack drone called Hale, which North Korea has claimed to have tested twice in the past year.
North Korea is developing a variety of nuclear-capable weapons as it builds its arsenal, but analysts said it is unclear whether its underwater system is ready for deployment and that it may add little to its existing military capabilities.
But that did not stop North Korea from talking about the test. “Our military’s counter-position to underwater nuclear weapons is being further approximated,” KCNA said on Friday, adding that it would continue measures to deter “hostile military maneuvers” by the United States and its allies.
The test in North Korea comes as tensions rise on the Korean peninsula, with Pyongyang becoming increasingly fiery in its rhetoric about preparing the country for war. North Korea this week claimed to have launched a medium-range missile with a hypersonic warhead, a highly maneuverable weapon that can travel at five times the speed of sound.
Although the North Korean regime is known for its bombastic threats, it has become increasingly aggressive in recent months, leading some analysts to question whether Kim wants to pick a fight with the United States.
This week, the US, South Korean and Japanese militaries conducted joint naval exercises, in which the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson participated. These exercises aim to enhance countries' deterrence and response capabilities against North Korea's nuclear and missile threat as well as maritime threats, according to the South Korean military.
North Korea views the joint exercises as hostile acts that justify building its nuclear deterrent. In a statement on Friday, North Korea described the exercises as training conducted by “military gangs.”
An unnamed Defense Department spokesperson said in a statement: “Our military’s nuclear-based underwater counter-posture is being further strengthened and various maritime and underwater response actions will continue to deter hostile military maneuvers by the fleets of the United States and its allies.” According to the Korean Central News Agency.
North Korea said it “will never condone the madness of the enemy's reckless military confrontation.” “We strongly condemn the reckless actions of the United States and its followers… and strongly warn of the catastrophic consequences that will result from this,” the statement read.
