South Korea staged military drills Thursday amid heightened military tensions following the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear test two days ago, according to media reports.

The Navy is conducting a four-day drill in waters off the west and east coast of the Korean peninsula. The drill, which involves some 20 warships including Aegis destroyers and submarines, is meant to deter potential future provocation by the DPRK.

The Air Force launched a separate four-day drill two days ago, staging joint aerial drills with US forces.

The Army is set to hold firing drills starting Friday near the border with the DPRK, mobilizing K9 self-propelled howitzers and multiple launch rocket systems.

The defense ministry, meanwhile, unveiled a short video clip showing ship-to-surface cruise missiles capable of striking any and all parts of the DPRK.

It has also pledged to accelerate the development of 800-km range ballistic missiles to deter DPRK security threats.