North Korea test-fires two submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles

North Korea test-fired two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles in the sea off its east coast, according to state media KCNA. The test took place on Wednesday and was intended to examine the reliability of war deterrents while improving the navy's skill in performing strategic missions.

One of the missiles tested was a Pulhwasal-3-31, which is the same type of strategic cruise missile that North Korea stated it test-fired from land the previous week. Senior military officers observed the tests at sea, and KCNA reported that the events had no adverse impact on the security of neighbouring countries. North Korea is not yet believed to have launched a modern missile submarine in full operation, though developing one is a top military priority for leader Kim Jong Un.

Pyongyang has fired a flurry of missiles in recent weeks amid rising tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang. Earlier this week, North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles towards the sea off its east coast. Inter-Korean relations have soured further following incidents including a landmine blast in the Demilitarized Zone, which led Seoul to demand an official apology. Pyongyang has accelerated military fortification along the DMZ under a hostile-states policy to permanently sever ties with South Korea, while diplomatic efforts have stalled since 2019.