DPRK tests underwater nuclear drone Haeil-2

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Apr 2023 10:47

The underwater nuclear drone Haeil-2 was tested on Saturday under the direct supervision of the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong Un.

This combination of photos provided by the DPRK government shows what it says is a test of an underwater strategic weapon system held during April 4 - 7, 2023 in the waters off South Hamgyong province, Democratic People's Republic of Korea. (AP)

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) national news agency, KCNA, revealed, on Saturday, that two weeks after having tested the Haeil-1 underwater nuclear drone, the DPRK's Academy of Defense Science conducted a second test for Haeil-2.

Haeil-2, according to the agency, "The underwater nuclear attack drone 'Haeil-2'," which "cruised 1,000 kilometers of simulated underwater distance," is capable of unleashing a "radioactive tsunami."

KCNA stated that the academy tested the "underwater strategic weapon system from April 4 to 7," adding that "the test warhead accurately detonated underwater. The test perfectly proved the reliability of the underwater strategic weapon system and its fatal attack ability."

Additionally, the agency reported "This nuclear underwater attack drone can be deployed at any coast and port or towed by a surface ship for operation," and that its mission is to "stealthily infiltrate into operational waters and make a super-scale radioactive tsunami...to destroy naval striker groups and major operational ports of the enemy."

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un, who supervised both tests personally, urged to increase the country's nuclear force capabilities and become ready to respond to any potential "attack" by the enemy.

DPRK tests underwater nuclear drone Haeil-1

DPRK's Academy of Defense Science conducted a test of an underwater strategic weapon system from March 25 to March 27.

The underwater nuclear attack drone Haeil-1 was launched for examination in Wonsan Bay on the afternoon of March 25 and arrived at the target point in the waters off Hwadae County in North Hamgyong Province on the morning of March 27.

The drone cruised for 41 hours and 27 minutes and successfully detonated the test warhead underwater. The path it took was along a jagged and oval course, which simulated the distance of 600 kilometers in the East Sea of Korea.

KCNA reported that "through the test, all tactical and technical specifications and underwater navigational and technical indices were correctly estimated and the reliability and safety of the weapon system were verified."