North Korea’s underwater nuclear drone

North Korea says it has carried out a test of its underwater nuclear weapons system in response to recent drills by South Korea, the U.S. and Japan

Pump-jet

SPECIFICATIONS*
Length: 16 metres 
Diameter: 1.5-1.6 metres 
Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
Propulsion: Diesel-electric
Range:  1,000km 
Depth: 80-100 metres

System first reportedly tested in March 2023

Dubbed “Haeil”, meaning tsunami, drone is intended to sneak into enemy waters and create large radioactive wave through underwater explosion

Similar in concept to Russia’s giant nuclear torpedo Poseidon (NATO designated Kanyon)

*Based on estimates by expert on submarine warfare H. I. Sutton. Range and depth reported in April 2023 by North Korea state media for test of Haeil-2

Sources: Reuters, BBC, NK News, H. I. Sutton, 38 North, ISIS © GRAPHIC NEWS