April 22

South Korea has announced that its military successfully test-fired submarine-launched ballistic missiles this week.

The Defense Ministry made the announcement on Thursday without giving details.

The country's media say two missiles were launched on Monday from a 3,000-ton submarine 20 seconds apart, flew about 400 kilometers and hit targets on the sea.

This is the second time the country has announced a successful SLBM test, following the first in September last year.

The ministry said the success will contribute to the development of defense capabilities, and that it hopes the missiles will be put into operational deployment.

The ministry also said the country will acquire new combat force and continuously develop it to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula with military power.

Following the announcement, North Korea is likely to step up its denunciation of an ongoing US-South Korean joint military exercise.

NHK