NRT briefing
North Korea holds first underwater-launched missile tests in nearly 3 years
Based on reporting by New York Post.
The Brief
North Korea conducted its first underwater-launched missile tests in nearly three years on Wednesday, likely using the 'Hero Kim Kun Ok' submarine, which was unveiled in 2023 and is designed to launch nuclear weapons. The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Thursday that the military tested two types of strategic cruise missiles in the country's eastern waters, aiming to assess the readiness of its underwater combat systems and demonstrate the reliability of its nuclear deterrent.
The South Korean military detected the launches and concluded the missiles were fired from a submarine, with one from a vertical launch tube and the other from a torpedo tube, though it did not specify the submarine believed to be involved.
If confirmed, these would be the first public weapons tests from the 'Hero Kim Kun Ok' submarine, which had drawn outside skepticism about its capabilities and had not previously been tested in public. Analysts suggest the tests indicate North Korea has resolved technical issues and is moving toward deploying the submarine, potentially posing a significant threat to South Korea and the US.
The launches come amid a recent string of weapons demonstrations by North Korea, including hypersonic missile tests in September and October, as leader Kim Jong Un seeks to pressure the US into offering concessions in potential diplomacy. North Korea has stated it could return to talks if the US abandons its 'hostile' policy and drops demands for denuclearization as a precondition.
NRT commentary
How We See It
North Korea's latest missile tests from a submarine underscore a troubling reality: Pyongyang is steadily advancing its military capabilities despite international sanctions and diplomatic overtures. The United States must not underestimate the threat posed by underwater-launched missiles, which are difficult to detect and can strike with little warning. This development should serve as a stark reminder that engagement without concessions from the North only enables further provocation.
Moreover, the timing of these tests, following failed attempts at diplomacy, suggests Kim Jong Un is leveraging his weapons program to extract maximum concessions. The United States must maintain a strong deterrence posture in the region and work closely with allies like South Korea and Japan to counter this growing threat.
A policy of patience and principled negotiations, rather than rewarding aggression, remains essential to safeguarding American interests and regional stability.
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