North Korea Tests Underwater Nuclear Weapons

North Korea has responded to the military exercises of South Korea, the United States, and Japan by testing underwater nuclear systems. This was reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), citing the North Korean Defense Ministry.

According to the military department, the Institute of Underwater Weapon Systems of the National Defense Academy of the DPRK tested the Heil-5-23 underwater nuclear weapon system in the Sea of Japan, which is still in the development phase. “Our army's underwater nuclear readiness will be improved, and, of course, various maritime responses will continue to deter the hostile military actions of the US naval forces and its allies,” the ministry added.

From January 14 to 17, the naval forces of Japan, the US, and South Korea conducted joint exercises in the East China Sea, south of the Korean Peninsula. Eight naval vessels participated in the drills.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has stated that North Korea needs to expedite preparations for war in 2024 to counter the US's “unprecedented” confrontational actions. He labeled South Korea as the most hostile country and called for this definition to be enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic as well as the removal of any mention of peaceful reunification with South Korea.