North Korea fires submarine-launched cruise missiles for first time in nearly three years in nuclear deterrent push

North Korea tested two types of submarine-fired strategic cruise missiles in its eastern waters on Wednesday, its first underwater-launched tests in nearly three years. State media described the weapons as strategic — implying nuclear warheads — and said the tests were aimed at proving the reliability of its nuclear deterrent. Photos suggested the launches involved the 'Hero Kim Kun Ok' submarine, unveiled in 2023 with at least 10 missile tubes but long doubted by outside experts.

The tests came as Pyongyang dials up weapons demonstrations in an apparent bid to pressure Washington into offering greater concessions before any return to diplomacy.

If confirmed as launched from the 'Hero Kim Kun Ok', it would be the first live weapons test from that vessel — marking a major leap in North Korea's nuclear strike capability.

North Korea has also tested hypersonic missile systems twice since late September, part of a sustained push to field weapons capable of overwhelming South Korean and Japanese missile defences.