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SEOAN – North Korea conducted tests on two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles on Wednesday to assess the capabilities of its navy and the reliability of its nuclear deterrent, according to state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The tests, conducted off the country's east coast, underscore North Korea's efforts to develop a credible sea-based nuclear deterrent, a key priority for leader Kim Jong Un.

However, experts note that the tests have not yet demonstrated full operational capabilities. The military observed the tests, providing no additional information beyond confirming the operation's safety for neighboring countries. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff monitored the launches via various assets, determining that one missile was launched from a vertical launch system and the other from a torpedo tube.

Photographs from the tests suggest the submarines used were modified diesel-powered submarines, including the recently unveiled "Kim Kun Ok Hero." Analysts believe these tests indicate North Korea is progressing towards operational deployment, potentially including the launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile in the near future.

Defense analysts also suggest that vertical launch systems enable submarines to fire missiles more rapidly and in larger salvos, potentially reducing warning times and complicating defensive responses. North Korea described the tests as a routine readiness inspection, not a development test, aiming to illustrate progress towards deployment.

However, senior researcher Hong Min of the Korea Institute for National Unification noted that the submarine's capabilities remain limited without demonstrated submerged launches, long patrols, and submarine-launched ballistic missile operations.