North Korea says sub-launched cruise missiles tested

North Korea said Wednesday it test-fired cruise missiles designed to be fired from submarines to test the readiness of the country's underwater combat systems and strengthen the Navy's capabilities.

North Korea's state media said it carried out the tests in waters off the east coast of the Korean peninsula.

A North Korean state media report described the weapons as strategic, implying an intent to arm them with nuclear warheads.

But the report did not specify whether they were launched from an actual submarine or an underwater test platform.

North Korea has pushed ahead with modern missile submarines and both ballistic and cruise missile developments.