North Korea has reportedly conducted an underwater test of its nuclear weapon system, signaling the deployment of Haeil drones to its navy fleets, according to Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul. The announcement suggests that North Korea is emphasizing a proportional response to military exercises conducted by South Korea, Japan, and the United States, without attempting to escalate into armed conflict.
Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher running the World Institute for North Korea Studies, stated that determining the exact capabilities of North Korea’s underwater nuclear weapons systems is challenging. He emphasized that, given the current developmental stage and North Korea’s defense science level, these weapons do not pose a significant threat.
During Pyongyang’s year-end policy meetings, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had threatened a nuclear attack on South Korea and called for a military arsenal build-up in anticipation of a potential armed conflict. Despite these warnings, analysts believe North Korea’s recent actions are calculated responses rather than attempts to provoke an armed conflict.
On a recent occasion, North Korea launched a solid-fuel hypersonic missile, shortly after conducting live-fire exercises near the maritime border with South Korea. This led to counter-exercises and evacuation orders for certain South Korean border islands. Kim Jong-un’s successful placement of a spy satellite into orbit late last year, reportedly with Russian assistance in exchange for arms transfers for Moscow’s involvement in Ukraine, also heightened tensions.
The underwater nuclear weapon system test raises concerns about North Korea’s military advancements. However, analysts emphasize that the technology is still in a developing stage, limiting its immediate threat. The deployment of Haeil drones to the navy fleets suggests a strategic expansion of North Korea’s military capabilities.
As the international community closely monitors North Korea’s actions, the nuanced response indicates a careful balance between showcasing military capabilities and avoiding an outright confrontation. The situation underscores the complexity of diplomatic relations in the region and the delicate balance required to prevent an escalation of tensions in the Korean Peninsula.
