The test of the drone, believed to be designed to destroy enemy warships and ports, comes as tensions on the Korean Peninsula have risen to their highest level in years.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Photo: KCNA
The drone, which North Korea first tested last year, is among several new weapons systems the country has introduced in recent years.
North Korea's military said it carried out the test in waters off its east coast in response to joint naval exercises by the United States, South Korea and Japan that ended on Wednesday in waters south of Jeju Island.
“Our military’s underwater nuclear weapon-based countermeasure posture is being further perfected, and various underwater and maritime response actions will continue to deter hostile military activities by the US Navy and its allies,” the North Korean Defense Ministry said in a statement.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry condemned North Korea’s recent tests as a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and a threat to “ peace on the Korean Peninsula and the world.” In a statement, the ministry said the U.S. and South Korean militaries are maintaining a solid defense posture against North Korea’s activities.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned about the current situation on the Korean Peninsula. Mr. Guterres reiterated his call for “de-escalation, full implementation of Security Council resolutions and creating an environment conducive to dialogue and resumption of diplomatic negotiations , which is really the only viable way forward,” Mr. Dujarric said.
North Korea has tested various missile systems in recent months and has announced a strategy that would allow its military to launch preemptive nuclear strikes if it comes under threat.
North Korea on Sunday conducted its first ballistic missile test in 2024. State media described it as a new type of solid-fuel, medium-range missile equipped with a hypersonic warhead.
Hoang Anh (according to KCNA, AP)
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