Hong Kong. September 20. INTERFAX-North Korea doubts the effectiveness of a submarine-launched ballistic missile tested by South Korea last week.
"According to the published photos, it has a typical structure and shape of a tactical surface-to - surface ballistic missile (...) and looks like a somewhat clumsy weapon that is far from a submarine-based weapon," KCNA quoted the head of the North Korean defense science agency, Chang Chang Ha, as saying.
In his opinion, the South Korean missile "cannot be an effective means of attack during wars and should not be considered as a threatening weapon with strategic and tactical value."
He noted that if Seoul really tested a submarine-based missile, then this weapon is at the initial stage of development.
The North Korean official said that Pyongyang is closely monitoring South Korea's intentions. He added that such efforts " portend military tensions on the Korean peninsula, increase our awareness and allow us to clearly know what needs to be done."
As reported, last Wednesday, South Korea successfully conducted a test of a submarine-based ballistic missile. According to sources of the South Korean agency "Yonhap", several more rounds of tests will be conducted to ensure the reliability of the missile.