North Korea announced on Wednesday that it conducted tests of cruise missiles designed for launch from submarines to assess the readiness of the country's underwater warfare systems. These tests took place in waters off the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula.
Details of the Tests
North Korean state media referred to these missiles as strategic weapons, interpreting this as an indication of a desire to arm them with nuclear warheads. However, reports did not specify whether these missiles were launched from an actual submarine or from an underwater test platform.
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North Korea continues its advancements in developing missile submarines as well as ballistic and cruise missiles. In recent weeks, Pyongyang has tested various types of weapons to bolster its military deterrence against the United States and South Korea. Nevertheless, it appears that North Korea has not yet fully operationalized a modern missile submarine.
Recent Military Developments
This latest development comes just two days after images were released of Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, visiting a new military museum at an undisclosed location. This museum displayed an intercontinental ballistic missile that, according to North Korean state media, is capable of reaching the United States.
Kim has clearly stated that strengthening his country's nuclear arsenal is his top priority. The issue of nuclear disarmament, which the United States has emphasized, has been taken off the agenda in this regard. Relations between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump, the President of the United States, also seem to have cooled since their last meeting in recent years.
The Trump administration met with Kim three times during its first term. Earlier this week, he indicated that he might meet with Kim during a trip to Asia next month.
North Korea has also halted all coordination with South Korea and removed all references to reunification with the South from its constitution.
