North Korea Conducts "Important Test of Underwater Nuclear Weapon System"... Protests ROK-US-Japan Naval Exercises

U.S. Navy Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier USS Carl Vinson [Image Source=Yonhap News]

On the 19th, North Korea announced that it tested an underwater nuclear weapon system in response to the joint maritime exercises conducted by South Korea, the United States, and Japan in international waters near Jeju Island starting from the 15th.

In a statement titled "We Will Never Tolerate Reckless Military Confrontation Madness," released through the Korean Central News Agency, a spokesperson for the North Korean Ministry of Defense described the South Korea-U.S.-Japan naval exercises as "an act that seriously threatens the nation's security," making the claim.

According to the statement, North Korea conducted a significant test of the underwater nuclear weapon system "Haeil-5-23," which is being developed by the Underwater Weapons System Research Institute of the National Defense Science Academy, in the waters of the East Sea of Korea. Specific details such as the exact timing and results of the test were not disclosed.

"Haeil" is a nuclear unmanned underwater attack vehicle developed by North Korea. Previously, North Korea revealed that it had developed and tested the underwater nuclear weapon "Haeil-1" for the first time on March 28 of last year. Since the newly disclosed weapon is named "Haeil-5-23," it appears that several upgrades have been made over time.

The Ministry of Defense spokesperson explained, "Our military's underwater nuclear response posture is becoming more complete," adding, "Maritime and underwater counteractions to deter the military hostile acts of the U.S. and allied navies will rightfully continue."

The South Korean and U.S. navies, along with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, conducted joint maritime exercises from the 15th to the 17th. The exercises involved the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, South Korea's Aegis destroyer ROKS Sejong the Great, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Aegis destroyer JS Kong?.