North Korea tests submarine-launched cruise missiles

North Korea has tested two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles in waters off its east coast on Wednesday, October 14, state-run KCNA reported.

The tests aimed to assess the country's war deterrence capabilities and improve the navy's operational skills. One of the missiles was named Pulhwasal-3-31.

Senior military officials observed the tests, which KCNA claimed posed no threat to neighbouring countries.

Leader Kim Jong Un has prioritised developing advanced missile systems and submarine capabilities. Last year, state media released images of an 8,700-tonne nuclear-powered missile submarine under construction after Kim criticised a US-South Korea nuclear submarine agreement.


North Korea has conducted several missile tests in recent weeks. Earlier this week, it launched multiple ballistic missiles towards waters off its east coast. On October 3, it also tested a hypersonic intermediate-range missile designed to evade South Korean and Japanese missile defences.

South Korea has also tested its own hypersonic missile in the presence of President Lee Jae Myung. His office said the weapon, once fully developed, would improve the country's ability to launch surprise strikes against key targets.

Border tensions stall diplomacy

Tensions have also risen following landmine explosions in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which injured three South Korean soldiers in September. A joint South Korean-UN investigation found that North Korean troops had planted two mines that exploded in the area.

North Korea has strengthened its border defences under Kim's 2023 policy of treating South Korea as a hostile state.

Diplomatic efforts have remained stalled since denuclearisation talks between Washington and Pyongyang collapsed in 2019. Although US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in meeting Kim during his second term, no meeting has taken place so far.

The continued missile tests by both Koreas are adding to security concerns on the Korean Peninsula.

-AJM