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North Korea Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable Submarine Cruise Missiles
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CNBC TV18•15-10-2026, 07:46
North Korea Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable Submarine Cruise Missiles
- •North Korea announced it test-fired two strategic cruise missiles designed for submarine launch in its eastern waters.
- •State media described the weapons as strategic, indicating an intent to arm them with nuclear warheads.
- •The tests aimed to assess underwater combat readiness and demonstrate the reliability of the country's nuclear deterrent.
- •Leader Kim Jong Un is focusing on strengthening the navy and developing nuclear-capable submarines despite international sanctions.
- •The latest launches add to a series of weapons demonstrations as Pyongyang rejects renewed diplomacy with Washington and Seoul.
Key Questions Answered
North Korea test-fired two types of strategic cruise missiles designed to be launched from submarines, indicating an intent to arm them with nuclear warheads and assess underwater combat system readiness.
Leader Kim Jong Un has halted all diplomacy and cooperation with South Korea, labeling it a permanent enemy, while also rebuffing U.S. calls to revive long-stalled nuclear negotiations that broke down in 2019.
North Korea has been working on building a nuclear-powered submarine intended to carry nuclear-capable weapons, shifting leader Kim Jong Un's focus toward strengthening the navy after a decade of expanding ballistic missile programs.
