North Korea claimed that it had tested an underwater nuclear weapons system called Haeil-5-23 on Friday, January 19, 2024. The test was a response to the joint naval exercises by the US, South Korea and Japan, which involved a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The Haeil-5-23 is said to be an underwater self-explosive drone that can carry a nuclear warhead. North Korea has previously tested similar weapons and other missiles that can reach the US mainland.
North Korea’s defense ministry said the test was to deter the hostile military actions by the US and its allies, and warned that it was ready for war at any time. The US, South Korea and Japan condemned the test as a provocation and a violation of UN resolutions. Some experts say that North Korea’s underwater nuclear weapons system is not as advanced or reliable as its submarine-launched ballistic missiles, which pose a greater threat to regional and global security.
However, they also warn that North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs are progressing rapidly and pose a serious challenge to the international community.
