North Korea Test-Fires Two Types Of Submarine-Launched Cruise Missiles In Sea Of Japan

North Korea has tested two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles in the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, state media KCNA reported on Thursday.

The test took place on Wednesday, October 14, as part of a naval exercise to check the readiness of its underwater combat systems. South Korea’s military said it tracked both launches from before take-off through the cruise and final stages of flight.

KCNA described the exercise as a routine readiness inspection to check the condition of North Korea’s underwater combat systems and the reliability of its deterrent forces. It said the launches did not affect the security of neighbouring countries.

Images released by KCNA showed one missile rising vertically from the sea through a cloud of smoke. Another appeared to emerge at an angle of about 45 degrees. Other photographs showed a missile flying horizontally over the water and a submarine on the surface.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said one missile was launched from a vertical launch system, while the other was fired through a torpedo tube.

South Korean analysts said the images appeared to show the Kim Kun Ok Hero, a modified diesel-powered submarine unveiled by North Korea in September 2023. However, the launch platform has not been independently confirmed.

The available information also does not establish whether the missiles were fired from an operational submarine or an underwater test platform.

North Korea did not disclose the missiles’ names, range, accuracy or warhead details. It also did not confirm whether they were nuclear-capable or fitted with nuclear warheads.

The test is part of North Korea’s efforts to develop submarine-based missile systems and expand its naval capabilities. Cruise missiles launched from submarines could give the country another way to attack targets from offshore waters. However, the latest test does not prove that North Korea has a fully operational sea-based nuclear deterrent.

Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the two launch methods offered different advantages. A missile launched vertically can climb steeply before heading towards its target, potentially increasing its range.

A missile launched at an angle can begin flying at a lower altitude, making it harder for missile defence systems to detect and intercept, he said.

Cruise missiles generally use jet engines and fly lower than ballistic missiles. This can make them harder to detect and intercept. Vertical launch systems may also allow submarines to fire missiles more quickly or launch several in a short period compared with torpedo tubes.

However, developing a reliable submarine-based second-strike capability requires more than successful missile tests. A submarine must also be able to remain undetected at sea, conduct patrols, communicate reliably and launch weapons under operational conditions.

Hong said North Korea’s description of the exercise as a readiness inspection appeared to signal that the submarine was moving towards deployment. However, he assessed its operational capability as limited so far.

North Korea has carried out several submarine-based missile tests in recent years as it develops its naval forces and tests ballistic and cruise missiles from different platforms. KCNA said senior North Korean military officers observed the latest exercise.

Tensions continue between North and South Korea. A landmine explosion in the Demilitarised Zone last month injured three South Korean soldiers.

North Korea has also conducted several ballistic missile tests in October, with its latest reported launch taking place on Monday. South Korea tested its first domestically developed hypersonic glide vehicle last week, days after North Korea said it had launched an artificial intelligence-assisted intermediate-range hypersonic missile.

Diplomatic engagement between North Korea, South Korea and the United States remains largely stalled. The Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice, not a peace treaty, meaning the two Koreas technically remain at war.

References: CNA, Chosun