North Korea tests submarine-launched cruise missiles, KCNA says
North Korea fired two kinds of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles on Wednesday, according to state media KCNA. The launches occurred into the East Sea, and Pyongyang said they did not threaten neighboring countries. The test followed increased tensions with South Korea after a September 21 DMZ landmine blast injured three South Korean soldiers.
Pyongyang described the Wednesday launches as a naval drill intended to assess the readiness of its undersea forces. State media presented the tests as proof of its deterrent's reliability and released images showing missiles leaving the water at different angles, including one nearly vertical and another around 45 degrees.
An analyst quoted by AFP said those two methods have separate tactical uses: steep ascents can help extend reach, while angled launches may fly lower from the start and be harder for defenses to detect. The launches followed a September 21 DMZ blast that wounded three South Korean soldiers and a month of reciprocal missile demonstrations by both Koreas.
The launches may heighten public anxiety in South Korea and nearby coastal areas, while reinforcing North Korean state messaging about military strength. They could also complicate inter-Korean dialogue and keep regional forces on higher alert, potentially affecting fishing, shipping, and aviation through temporary warnings or route changes. Because Pyongyang said the tests posed no threat to neighboring countries, immediate civilian disruption may remain limited.