North Korea says it tested cruise missiles designed for submarine launch

North Korean state media said on October 15 that the military had tested two types of cruise missiles designed for submarine launch in the country's eastern waters the previous day. It did not specify whether the missiles were fired from a submarine or an underwater test platform.

State media said the tests were intended to assess the readiness of underwater combat systems, improve the Navy's ability to conduct strategic missions and demonstrate the reliability of the country's nuclear deterrent. The South Korean military did not immediately comment.

The launches followed hypersonic missile tests on September 20 and October 3. North Korea said those earlier tests were intended to advance weapons designed to overwhelm missile defenses in South Korea and Japan.

Kim Jong Un has rejected U.S. and South Korean offers to resume diplomacy. His government has demanded that Washington abandon what it calls a hostile policy and drop denuclearization demands as a precondition for talks.