North Korea claims to have tested Haeil-2 underwater nuclear drone

CNN

North Korea claimed to have tested on Saturday a new underwater drone that it said could 'carry a nuclear weaponhead'.

According to a report from the Korean Central News Agency, the drone - named the 'Haeil-2 Unmanned Underwater Nuclear Attack Boat" - was tested on April 4 through 7.

KCNA reported that the test warhead detonated under water on Thursday after it cruised for more than 71-hours in waters near North Korea's east coast.

It is the second time the secretive nation has claimed to have tested a drone with nuclear capabilities. Pyongyang claimed to have tested the Haeil-1 in March. It said that it was capable of carrying nuclear warheads which could cause a "radioactive tsunami."

KCNA reported that the Haeil-2 test was a success. The reliability of the system and its ability to deliver a fatal blow were both proven.

Pyongyang has claimed to have developed nuclear-capable drones in 2012 and that it has conducted more than 50 tests over the last two years.

Analysts have cast doubt on North Korea’s claims. They note that North Korea had previously exaggerated their capabilities and deployment timelines.

This news comes after tests conducted by North Korea last month, which it claimed were of cruise missiles with nuclear capability.