On October 14, 2026, North Korea tested two types of underwater launchable missiles. According to state media in Pyongyang, this test was conducted to assess the current status of underwater warfare systems and to improve the naval forces' capabilities in carrying out strategic missions.
Details of the Missile Tests
North Korean state media announced in a statement that "the launch test was conducted to examine the current status of underwater warfare systems and to enhance the naval forces' skills in carrying out strategic missions and to demonstrate the reliability and deterrent capabilities of the DPRK." These media described the tested missiles as "strategic cruise missiles," and the official images released showed the horizontal flight of these missiles.
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Analysis of North Korea's Military Capabilities
Despite the release of images related to a submarine, it is still unclear whether North Korea possesses an operational submarine capable of launching these types of missiles. The country previously tested an underwater cruise missile named Pulhwasal-3-31 in January 2024. The connection between the two types of missiles tested this week and previous models remains unclear.
On Monday, the United States Pacific Command confirmed that North Korea had tested two ballistic missiles and did not consider this event a threat to regional security. The command has also not yet commented on the claim of the cruise missile launch.
North Korea allocates about 25 percent of its GDP to defense, the highest amount among countries except for war-torn regions. The country has also placed significant emphasis on developing its nuclear programs and has heavily invested in its naval capabilities in recent years, including two destroyers equipped with ballistic missiles. Strong defense relations with Russia are also considered another factor in this context.
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