North Korea announces that it has tested an underwater nuclear drone.

NK News reported on this.

This underwater drone, which is currently under development, is called Haeil. It is capable of carrying a nuclear charge.

The DPRK Ministry of Defense on Friday, January 19, announced that the North Korean military conducted a test of its Haeil-5-23 underwater nuclear drone system in response to joint military drills by the U.S., Japan and South Korea.

The Underwater Weapon System Institute under the DPRK Academy of Defense Science conducted the test of its underwater nuclear weapon system in the Sea of Japan.

However, it is not known when these tests will be conducted.

The DPRK’s new underwater drone was first tested in March 2023. North Korean state media published photos featuring an object moving underwater close to the surface and an explosion above the water.

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 of its east coast.

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

According to DPRK state media, the Haeil underwater nuclear drone system can be used for surprise naval attacks. The device, or its model, was first shown at a parade in Pyongyang in July 2023.

It is also claimed that this drone can destroy ship groups and large ports by forming a large tsunami wave with the help of an underwater nuclear explosion.

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