North Korea

has said it tested an underwater nuclear weapons system, allegedly in response to joint naval exercises between South Korea, the United States and Japan.

This is reported by the South Korean publication Yonhap with reference to the North Korean news agency KCNA.

North Korea has tested the Haeil-5-23 nuclear-powered underwater drone in the East Sea and condemned the three countries' naval exercises, calling them a "reckless confrontation".

KCNA did not disclose the characteristics of the Haeil-5-23 and did not give information on the date of the test.

The South Korean newspaper recalled that in March 2023, North Korea first reported the test of its Haeil-1 underwater attack drone, saying that this "secret weapon is capable of generating a "radioactive tsunami."

We will remind:

North Korea's programs to develop ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons are prohibited by UN Security Council resolutions.

However, Pyongyang says the weapons development is necessary to counter the "hostile policies" of Washington and its allies.

It is known that in 2022, the DPRK carried out 37 launches and in total launched about 70 missiles of various ranges.

During these exercises, North Korea systematically launched missiles towards Japan and South Korea.

Not so long ago, the defense ministers of the United States and South Korea agreed to expand the program of joint military exercises.

The parties also plan to expand the American presence in the region and deliver F-22, F-35 fighter jets and aircraft carriers with nuclear engines there.