The test of the “Haeil-5-23” system, North Korea’s nuclear-capable underwater attack drones, was carried out by the defense ministry in the waters off its east coast, the report said, without specifying a date. The ministry’s unnamed spokesman accused the US, South Korea, and Japan of getting frantic with military exercises, warning of “catastrophic consequences.” 

Dubbed “Haeil”, which means tsunami, the new drone system was intended to make sneak attacks in enemy waters and destroy naval strike groups and major operational ports, the state media said.

Later on Friday, South Korea’s defense ministry warned against the North’s recent weapons tests, calling for an immediate halt. The three countries’ navies held their three-day regular-drills until Wednesday, alongside the US aircraft carrier Carl Vinson, as part of efforts to improve their responses to Pyongyang’s evolving nuclear threats.