Pyongyang: North Korea has unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine, a significant development that heightens security concerns for South Korea and the United States. State media released images of the vessel, which was described as “a nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine” during leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to key shipbuilding facilities. The introduction of this submarine marks a crucial step in North Korea’s military advancements, potentially enhancing its second-strike nuclear capability.
Kim Jong Un Oversees Shipyard Development
State-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released images on Saturday showing Kim Jong Un inspecting major shipyards where warships are under construction. The report highlighted the submarine as a nuclear-powered strategic vessel, though it did not provide specific details regarding its operational capabilities.
Military analysts suggest the submarine could range between 6,000 and 7,000 tons and might be capable of carrying approximately 10 missiles. Moon Keun-sik, a submarine expert at Hanyang University, noted that the term “strategic guided missiles” likely indicates the inclusion of nuclear-capable weapons.
North Korea’s Expanding Military Ambitions
Kim has long emphasized the importance of enhancing North Korea’s military arsenal. As part of a military expansion strategy announced in 2021, he pledged to develop cutting-edge weaponry, including nuclear submarines, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), hypersonic weapons, and spy satellites. Since then, North Korea has conducted multiple missile tests to bolster its military standing.
The capability to launch nuclear missiles from underwater presents a significant challenge for adversaries, as it complicates detection and countermeasures.
Possible Russian Involvement in North Korea’s Submarine Program
Amid North Korea’s persistent economic struggles and international sanctions, questions remain about how the country acquired the advanced technology required for a nuclear-powered submarine. Some experts speculate that Pyongyang may have received technological support from Russia in exchange for providing conventional weapons or even military personnel for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Moon Keun-sik suggested that North Korea could launch the new submarine within one to two years, likely for testing before it becomes operational.
Currently, North Korea is estimated to possess 70 to 90 submarines, but most of these are outdated models capable only of deploying torpedoes and mines rather than nuclear-armed missiles.
Past Claims and Continued Skepticism
North Korea previously declared in 2023 that it had launched its first “tactical nuclear attack submarine”. However, many defense analysts doubted the claim, believing the vessel was a repurposed diesel-powered submarine first showcased in 2019. Moon noted that there has been no independent confirmation that this submarine was ever deployed.
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Although North Korea has been testing submarine-launched ballistic missiles since 2016, these trials have so far been limited to a single 2,000-ton-class submarine with just one launch tube. Many experts believe this vessel serves as a test platform rather than an operational warship.
Heightened Tensions with the U.S. and South Korea
The unveiling of North Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine comes at a time of rising tensions in the region. Pyongyang has increased its rhetoric against the U.S. and South Korea, particularly as their annual joint military drills are set to commence on Monday.
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During his visit to the shipyards, Kim Jong Un reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening its naval capabilities. KCNA quoted him as stating that North Korea aims to build “incomparably overwhelming warships” to counter what he described as “the inveterate gunboat diplomacy of the hostile forces.”
