North Korea Tests Underwater Nuclear Drone in Response to US-led Drills

North Korea conducted a test of its underwater nuclear weapons system, named "Haeil-5-23," in response to joint military drills by South Korea, the United States, and Japan. The test was carried out in the waters off its east coast, and the North Korean defense ministry criticized the military exercises, warning of "catastrophic consequences." The system, intended for sneak attacks in enemy waters, was first reportedly tested in March 2023 and is designed to create a large radioactive wave through an underwater explosion. This comes after North Korea fired a new intermediate-range, solid-fuel hypersonic missile, which was condemned by the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.