North Korea Tests 'Underwater Nuclear Weapon System' in Response to US, South Korea, Japan Naval Drills

Pyongyang Warns of 'Catastrophic Consequences' Amid Escalating Tensions on Korean Peninsula

North Korea has tested an 'underwater nuclear weapon system' named 'Haeil-5-23', according to state news agency KCNA. The test was reportedly a response to joint naval exercises by the US, South Korea, and Japan.
North Korea's Defense Ministry stated that the test was conducted to deter 'hostile military maneuvers' by the US and its allies, warning of 'catastrophic consequences' for any perceived threats to North Korea's security.
The 'Haeil-5-23' system is reportedly a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone, first tested by North Korea last year. However, South Korea's military has suggested that North Korea may be exaggerating the drone's capabilities.
The test comes amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently declaring South Korea as the North's 'primary foe' and expressing readiness for potential conflict.
North Korea has been expanding its arsenal of nuclear-capable weapons, with recent tests including a medium-range missile with a hypersonic warhead and a solid-fuel intermediate-range missile.