Angered by US and South Korean military drills, Kim Jong-un launches nuclear missile from submarine ArchDaily

North Korea test-fired two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine on Sunday, KCNA reported. It is scheduled to start on Monday (10) new military exercises between the United States and South Korea. The word “strategic” is often used to describe nuclear weapons.

The agency said the launch confirmed the reliability of the system and tested the underwater offensive operations of the submarine units that are part of North Korea’s nuclear deterrence.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military was on high alert and the country’s intelligence agency was working with its US counterpart to review details of the launch.

On Monday, South Korean and US forces are scheduled to begin 11 days of joint exercises, dubbed Freedom Shield 23, which will take place on a scale not seen since 2017.

The armed forces of the two countries said that the exercises will enhance the joint defense position of the allies and will include field exercises.

North Korea has long resented the exercises, which it views as a rehearsal for invasion. It conducted a record number of missile tests and exercises last year in what it says is an attempt to increase its nuclear deterrence and fully operate more weapons.

“It is very unfortunate that North Korea is using our usual defensive maneuvers as a pretext for provocation,” said Ko Byung-sam, a spokesman for South Korea’s Unification Ministry, which handles relations with North Korea. “I hope North Korea realizes that there is nothing to gain from escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.”