Analysts have noted the launch is the first since North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for an increase in his country’s deterrent capabilities to counter “the escalating manoeuvres of the American imperialists and the traitors, the South Korean puppets, to provoke a war of aggression” on Monday. Pyongyang has conducted multiple weapons tests in recent months, increasing tensions with Seoul and Washington, who have, in turn, reinforced their military cooperation and conducted joint exercises in the region. Since 23 March, North Korea has announced three tests of a nuclear-capable “attack submarine drone” capable of producing a “large-scale tsunami”.
Last year, the country declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power, ruling out any negotiation on its denuclearisation. In March, Kim Jong-un ordered the country’s troops to intensify their exercises for a “real war”. In response, Washington and Seoul conducted new joint military manoeuvres, involving US stealth aircraft. Pyongyang sees these exercises as rehearsals for the invasion of its territory and on Tuesday branded them “hysterical” and “simulating a total war against North Korea”. The South Korean government has termed North Korea “irresponsible” after Pyongyang cut communications with Seoul last week. The North and South Korean militaries communicate twice daily via a specific line, but Pyongyang has not responded to calls since 7 April, according to South Korea’s Unification Ministry.
