Pyongyang has deployed aircraft and submarines as parts of artillery drills simulating an attack on "enemy warships", as the United States aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson makes its way to the Korean peninsula, North Korean media reports.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un observed the drills, held on Tuesday to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Korean People's Army, which state news agency KCNA described as "the largest-ever combined fire demonstration of the KPA services".
The drills took place near the eastern coastal town of Wonsan with "more than 300 large-calibre self-propelled guns lined up along the coastline opening fire all at once", which Seoul said was one of North Korea's largest artillery deployments to date.
"Submarines rapidly submerged to make torpedo-attacks at the 'enemy' warships while fighters and bombers made zero feet flight above the sea to drop bombs on the targets," KCNA said.
The military exercise appeared to be a simulation of an attack on a maritime fleet similar to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, which is expected to arrive near the Korean peninsula later this week.
Washington decided to send the ship and its attack fleet in response to a recent North Korean missile test, reflecting the growing tension in the region in recent months.
The US has also sent a nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Michigan, to the peninsula where it will conduct drills with the USS Carlson.
The unfolding tensions have been fuelled by the possibility that Pyongyang may carry out its sixth nuclear test, as indicated by latest satellite photos of its nuclear test centre.
This action could provoke Washington, which has indicated that it is considering launching pre-emptive attacks against the hermit state.
