North Korea launched several ballistic missiles into sea just hours after United States and South Korea began joint military drills. Pyongyang condemned the armed exercises with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un releasing a statement criticizing the drills.

In a bold move North Korea also unveiled its newly constructed nuclear submarine for the first time. Submarine, estimated to have a capacity of 6,000 to 7,000 tons, can reportedly carry up to 10 missiles according to a South Korean submarine expert.

Missile launch followed the start of 11-day-long “Freedom Shield” military drill conducted by the US and South Korea, aimed at strengthening their defense capabilities. Pyongyang viewed this growing alliance as provocative, escalating tensions further.

While showcasing submarine under construction Kim Jong Un stated that building powerful warships was crucial to counter “enemy forces’ armed diplomacy.”

Many analysts question how North Korea, under heavy international sanctions, managed to obtain advanced materials and financial resources for such technology.

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Experts believe Pyongyang may have received technical support from Russia in exchange for providing military assistance during Ukraine war.