North Korea claimed on Friday (March 24) that it had tested an underwater drone capable of carrying a nuclear warhead capable of causing a "radioactive tsunami," but experts advised caution due to a lack of evidence.
The drone, dubbed the "Unmanned Underwater Nuclear Attack Craft 'Haeil,'" was tested from March 21 to 23, cruising in waters off the country's east coast for more than 59 hours before its test warhead was detonated on Thursday afternoon, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
"The mission of the underwater nuclear strategic weapon is to stealthily infiltrate into operational waters and make a super-scale radioactive tsunami through underwater explosion to destroy naval striker groups and major operational ports of the enemy," according to the KCNA report.
According to the KCNA story, the weapon has been in development since 2012 and has gone through more than 50 tests in the last two years.
The test this week " verified its reliability and safety and fully confirmed its lethal strike capability," according to the KCNA report, adding that the drone can be launched from any port or towed by a surface ship to begin operations.
Analysts questioned North Korea's assertions, pointing out that the country has previously exaggerated its capabilities and deployment timelines.
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