North Korea has conducted a test of two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles, saying the launch was intended to assess the operational readiness of its navy and the reliability of its underwater weapons systems.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the missiles were launched on Wednesday toward the East Sea, also known internationally as the Sea of Japan, under the supervision of senior military officials.

KCNA said the test successfully verified the performance of the missile systems and demonstrated the reliability and effectiveness of North Korea's strategic deterrence capabilities. The agency also claimed that the launch posed no threat to the security of neighbouring countries.

The missile launch comes amid continued military tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Last month, three South Korean soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, further raising concerns over security along the heavily fortified border.

Meanwhile, South Korea last week announced the successful first test launch of a domestically developed hypersonic missile, highlighting the continuing military competition between the two neighbours.

North Korea has continued to expand its missile programme in recent years, placing increasing emphasis on submarine-launched and other sea-based weapons as part of its strategic deterrence.

Analysts say such systems are more difficult to detect and intercept than land-based launch platforms, potentially enhancing Pyongyang's second-strike capability.

The latest launch is expected to draw renewed attention from regional powers as tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula amid ongoing missile development and military exercises.(ILKHA)