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North Korea has announced the successful testing of a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone, a move that comes in direct response to recent naval exercises conducted by South Korea, the United States, and Japan.

The underwater drone, claimed to be capable of targeting naval vessels and ports, was tested in North Korea’s eastern waters as a counter to the joint naval drill by the US, South Korea, and Japan, which concluded recently near Jeju island. Although the exact timing of the drone test was not disclosed, North Korea’s military emphasized that it is enhancing its underwater nuclear response capabilities and vows to continue actions that deter hostile military maneuvers.

The North Korean Defense Ministry issued a warning about the “catastrophic consequences” of what it sees as “reckless acts” by the US and its allies, threatening the security of North Korea from the beginning of the year.

In recent months, North Korea has tested various missile systems aimed at the US and its allies and announced a nuclear doctrine that allows preemptive nuclear strikes under specific circumstances. One of its recent ballistic missile tests featured a new solid-fuel, intermediate-range missile with a hypersonic warhead, potentially targeting US military bases in Guam and Japan.

In light of these developments, South Korea called for action at an emergency UN Security Council meeting, urging the council to address North Korea’s escalating missile tests and threats. However, efforts by the US to impose additional sanctions on North Korea have been hindered by Russia and China, reflecting the deepening geopolitical divide exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.