North Korea has test-fired two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles in the sea off its east coast, state media KCNA reports.
The test-fire on Wednesday aimed to examine the reliability of war deterrents and improve the navy’s skill in performing strategic missions, the outlet said.
One of the missiles fired was a Pulhwasal-3-31, the same type of strategic cruise missile North Korea said it test-fired from land last week, according to KCNA.
Senior military officers observed the tests conducted at sea off the country’s east coast. KCNA added that the tests had no adverse impact on the security of neighbouring countries. North Korea is not yet believed to have launched a modern missile submarine in full operation.
This is a top military priority of the country’s leader Kim Jong Un, who has overseen the development of a range of strategic ballistic and cruise missiles.
Last year, Kim Jong Un criticised a nuclear submarine deal between the US and South Korea while he toured his country’s submarine production facility, where state media images showed an 8,700-tonne nuclear-powered missile submarine under construction.