Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

North Korea 'successfully fired ballistic missile from submarine' just weeks before claimed hydrogen bomb test

Revelation appears to show Pyongyang is working on both creating a nuclear bomb and developing ways to launch it

John Hall
Wednesday 06 January 2016 08:30 GMT
Comments
Pyongyang reportedly conducted an ejection test of the submarine-launched ballistic missile in December
Pyongyang reportedly conducted an ejection test of the submarine-launched ballistic missile in December (Reuters)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

As the world reacts to claims North Korea has successfully launched a hydrogen bomb, it has emerged Pyongyang’s previous test included the launch of a ballistic missile from a submarine.

The chilling revelations appear to show the hermit state is simultaneously working to build both a viable nuclear bomb and a practical method by which an atomic warhead could be launched.

South Korea's Yonhap News Agency cited an unnamed South Korean government official as saying Pyongyang appeared to have conducted an ejection test of the submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) in December, following a reported failure of such a test in November.

A South Korean military official told Reuters that North Korea continued to developed submarine-launched missile capability but expects it will take a substantial period of time for it to be able to successfully deploy such a weapon.

News of the submarine launch comes as North Korea claimed to have conducted a powerful hydrogen bomb test, a defiant and surprising move that, if confirmed, would be a huge jump in Pyongyang's quest to improve its nuclear arsenal.

Screens in Seoul show the earthquake near North Korea's nuclear facility
Screens in Seoul show the earthquake near North Korea's nuclear facility (AP)

In a passionate broadcast, a state television anchor said the North had tested a "miniaturised" hydrogen bomb, in a "perfect success", elevating the country's "nuclear might to the next level" and providing it with a weapon to defend against the US and its other enemies. South Korea's defence ministry said that it was bolstering its security posture in response.

North Korea allegedly test hydrogen bomb

There has long been scepticism by Washington and nuclear experts on past North Korean claims about H-bombs, which are much more powerful and much more difficult to make than atomic bombs. But a confirmed test would be seen as extremely worrying and lead to a strong push for new, tougher sanctions on North Korea at the United Nations.

The UN Security Council has tentatively scheduled an emergency meeting for later today.

Additional reporting by PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in