NAccording to state media, ordkorea has successfully tested a submarine-based ballistic missile. The “new type” missile has “many advanced control and control technologies,” reported the state news agency KCNA on Wednesday. According to diplomats, the UN Security Council called an emergency meeting for Wednesday.
The South Korean military reported the latest missile test in North Korea on Tuesday and reported an “unidentified” projectile. Experts had already suspected that it could be a submarine-supported ballistic missile.
The projectile was fired from the same submarine as the first submarine-based ballistic missile (SLBM) tested by Pyongyang five years ago, according to KCNA. The Rodong Sinmun newspaper published pictures showing the black and white rocket emerging from calm waters, pulling a column of fire and smoke behind it. An emerging submarine could also be seen in the photos.
Submarines ensure second strike capability
Should North Korea actually be able to fire ballistic missiles from submarines, that would be a significant step in the armaments efforts of the internationally isolated country. Pyongyang could then launch attacks from locations other than the North Korean mainland – and would be able to react even after a possible attack on its military bases.
Against the background of these developments, the UN Security Council scheduled a non-public emergency meeting for Wednesday, as the AFP news agency learned from diplomatic circles. The meeting was therefore requested by Great Britain and the USA.
North Korea has tested missiles several times in the past few weeks, causing international concern. The US, South Korea and Japan condemned the latest test. The country, which is largely isolated internationally, is subject to strict US and UN sanctions because of its nuclear and missile program.
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