North Korea announces testing of a nuclear-capable underwater drone

North Korea has announced the launch of testing of its own new underwater drone, which can be equipped with a nuclear warhead, NK News reports.

According to North Korean state media, this Haeil unmanned underwater vehicle could be used for unexpected naval attacks.

It is also claimed that this drone is able to destroy naval strike groups and major operational ports, creating a large wave in the form of a tsunami through underwater nuclear explosion.

According to Pyongyang, this drone can be deployed on any coast and seaport or towed by a surface ship for operation.

The new nuclear-capable underwater drone is reportedly to have been tested from March 21 to 23.

During the test, the new North Korean drone cruised underwater at a depth range from 80 to 150 meters for over 59 hours and detonated a non-nuclear payload in waters off its east coast on Thursday.

North Korean state media published photos featuring an object moving underwater close to the surface and an explosion above the water.

As a result of these tests, all specifications and navigation, as well as technical characteristic of the underwater drone were assessed.

The testing also verified its reliability and safety and, as North Korea claims, fully confirmed its combat performance.

As previously reported, the North Korean military has recently launched two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine.

According to the DPRK officials, the missiles allegedly hit specific targets in the sea. The specifications and capabilities of the missiles are unknown. The maximum range of their flight is also not disclosed.