SEOUL, Oct 15 2026, North Korea has test-fired two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles into the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, amid escalating tensions with South Korea, state news agency KCNA reported.
The missiles were launched on Wednesday, with KCNA claiming the tests had no adverse impact on the security of neighbouring countries.
According to the agency, the exercise was intended to assess the operational readiness of North Korea’s underwater combat systems and demonstrate the reliability and effectiveness of its military deterrence capabilities.
Images released by KCNA showed missiles emerging from the sea with thick trails of smoke, alongside photographs of a submarine travelling on the water’s surface.
North Korea has conducted several submarine-based missile launches in recent years, although the extent of its sea-based launch capabilities remains uncertain.
Submarine-launched cruise missiles typically fly at lower altitudes than ballistic missiles, potentially making them more difficult to detect and intercept.
A proven submarine-launched ballistic missile capability would significantly strengthen North Korea’s military arsenal by enabling it to launch attacks from greater distances and maintain a second-strike capability following an attack.
The latest tests come amid heightened tensions following a landmine explosion on Sept 21 in the South Korean-controlled area of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), which injured three South Korean soldiers.
Both countries have continued developing and testing advanced missile systems this month, including hypersonic weapons.
South Korea test-fired its first domestically developed hypersonic missile last week, days after Pyongyang announced the launch of an intermediate-range hypersonic missile equipped with artificial intelligence assistance.
The two Koreas remain technically at war, as the Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice rather than a formal peace treaty.
-MALAYMAIL
