TOKYO, March 28. /TASS/. On March 27, North Korea simulated a nuclear explosion using ground-to-ground ballistic missiles, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Tuesday.
According to its information, the missiles were launched from the vicinity of Pyongyang in the eastward direction. The hypothetical target was in the sea not far off the coast of the Hamgyeongbuk-do province. It was noted that the simulation was performed at an altitude of 500 meters.
As reported by Japan’s Defense Ministry, on Monday, North Korea launched two ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan. They traveled about 350 kilometers with a maximum altitude of 50 kilometers.
This is North Korea’s tenth missile launch this year.
From March 25 to 27, North Korea’s Academy of National Defense Science held another trial of an "underwater strategic weapon system." The Haeil-1 underwater nuclear drone was launched in the Wonsan Bay on March 25 and reached its target in Hamgyeongbuk-do on March 27, having traveled approximately 600 kilometers in 41 hours and 27 minutes and detonated a mock nuclear charge.
Earlier, the KCNA reported that from March 21 to 23, North Korea tested a new underwater drone capable of setting off a "highly potent radioactive tsunami."
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered an increase in the production of weapons-grade nuclear material in order to bolster the country’s nuclear potential.
"In order to fully implement the plan of the Party Central Committee to increase the arsenal of nuclear weapons, it is necessary to expand the production of weapons-grade nuclear materials in the long term and kick-start the continued production of powerful nuclear weapons," the KCNA quoted him as saying.
The North Korean leader also stressed that developing the nuclear capability of the country is necessary to protect its sovereignty. "We should continue to aspire for the constant bolstering of our nuclear forces," he added.