North Korea tests submarine-fired cruise missiles designed to carry nuclear warheads as Kim expands arsenal

North Korea tested two types of submarine-launched cruise missiles in eastern waters on Wednesday, state media confirmed, describing them as "strategic" — implying they are intended to be armed with nuclear warheads. Pyongyang said the tests assessed the readiness of its underwater combat systems and demonstrated the reliability of its nuclear deterrent. Seoul's military did not immediately respond.

The launches follow North Korea's tests of hypersonic missile systems on 20 September and 3 October, part of a push to overwhelm South Korean and Japanese defences.

State media did not confirm whether the missiles were fired from an actual submarine or an underwater test platform.

A nuclear-armed submarine able to operate stealthily would be extremely difficult for neighbours to detect in advance, dramatically raising the threat level.