By John Ikani
North Korea has conducted a successful test of a new nuclear-capable drone capable of underwater attacks.
According to a report released by state media, the test involved the drone travelling underwater for over 59 hours at a depth of between 80 to 150 metres, detonating a non-nuclear payload in waters off its east coast on Thursday.
While some analysts remain sceptical about the vehicle’s readiness for deployment, others suggest that it is part of North Korea’s efforts to showcase its increasingly diverse nuclear threats to the United States and South Korea.
The new underwater drone system, named “Haeil” or tsunami, is intended for sneak attacks in enemy waters, and could destroy naval strike groups and operational ports by creating a large radioactive wave through an underwater explosion, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
The drone system could be deployed at any coast and port or towed by a surface ship for operation, according to KCNA.
South Korean and U.S. forces have not yet confirmed North Korea’s claims, and there is no indication of a nuclear test, a U.S. official said.
A photo released by state media showed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un smiling next to a large torpedo-shaped object, though it was not identified as the new drone.
The new weapon’s operational concept is said to be similar to Russia’s Poseidon nuclear torpedoes, which are designed to create destructive, radioactive blasts in coastal areas.
North Korea has long been critical of exercises conducted by South Korean and U.S. forces, saying they are preparation for an invasion of the North.
As such, the new drone system and other tests may be intended to send a message to the United States and South Korea, with Pyongyang insisting that such exercises require its forces to “gird themselves for an all-out war and bolster up its nuclear force both in quality and quantity on a priority basis.”
However, South Korea and the U.S. have repeatedly defended the exercises as purely defensive and criticised North Korea’s tests as destabilising and in breach of U.N. sanctions.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop.
However, North Korea’s efforts to diversify its nuclear threats through the development of the new drone system will no doubt have implications for future negotiations and international relations.
