North Korea Tests Underwater Nuclear Drone Amid Tensions
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, with the defense ministry accusing the three countries of provocative military exercises. The new drone system, intended for sneak attacks in enemy waters, was 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, drawing condemnation from the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.