North Korea says tests underwater nuclear drone

North Korea has tested a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone in response to joint naval exercises involving South Korea.

North Korea’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Friday.

It said Pyongyang tested the Haeil-5-23 in waters off the east coast as the US and its allies were “seriously threatening the security” of the country and “destabilising the regional situation”.

“Our army’s underwater nuke-based countering posture is being further rounded off, and its various maritime and underwater responsive actions will continue to deter the hostile military manoeuvres of the navies of the US and its allies,” the statement said, warning of “catastrophic consequences” for the US and its “followers”.

North Korea last year claimed to have tested the drone twice, touting its ability to carry out sneak attacks and destroy enemies with a “radioactive tsunami” generated by an underwater explosion.

The weapon’s operation has not been independently verified, and South Korean officials have said its capabilities are exaggerated.

Washington, Seoul and Tokyo this week conducted joint naval drills involving nine warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, off South Korea’s south coast.