North Korea Tests Underwater Strategic Weapons

North Korea conducted a test of a new type of nuclear-capable unmanned attack submarine, according to the official Korean Central News Agency on Saturday (local time). This type of submarine is named "Haeil-2" and comes after more than a week of unveiling a new unmanned submarine system called "Haeil-1," which means tsunami in Korean and is designed for surprise attacks in enemy waters. The agency stated, "The test fully demonstrated the reliability of the underwater strategic weapons system and its lethal offensive capability," noting that the trial took place from April 4 to April 7, during which the submarine traveled 1,000 kilometers underwater over 71 hours and six minutes and successfully struck a target model. Images released by state media showed a large dark object resembling a torpedo, along with trails in the underwater path and a visible explosion on the sea surface. Analysts say North Korea is showcasing its diverse nuclear capabilities against Washington and Seoul, although both sides are skeptical about whether these submarines are operational. North Korea has intensified its military activities in recent weeks in protest against joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea.