North Korea building nuclear submarine - South Korean intelligence
Photo: Kim Jong Un (Getty Images)
North Korea could have begun construction on a new submarine, likely designed to operate on nuclear fuel, according to The War Zone.
According to South Korean intelligence, partial signs indicating the onset of submarine construction in North Korea have been detected. However, it remains unclear whether this involves the building of a nuclear-powered submarine.
The construction project is still in its early stages.
A representative from South Korea's intelligence agency noted that submarine construction activities have been observed in the northeastern region of Sinpo. The vessel is likely being built at the submarine factory in Pongdae.
Reports indicate that this submarine will be significantly larger than those previously showcased by North Korea. However, its exact dimensions and other details will become clearer as construction progresses.
"The South Korean military’s assessment that the new submarine could be nuclear-powered seems to be based on its size, with no publicly available evidence at this point that North Korea has developed a suitable nuclear reactor for such a boat. However, there have been statements from the leadership in Pyongyang that a nuclear-powered submarine is planned," The War Zone writes.
North Korea's nuclear threats
It is important to remember that North Korea has been pursuing a nuclear weapons program for decades. Recent reports indicate that North Korea has conducted at least six underground tests of this weapon.
Additionally, leader Kim Jong Un has declared that Pyongyang would employ all its weapons, including nuclear, in response to any threats to the sovereignty of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Meanwhile, South Korea believes that North Korea is preparing for nuclear tests ahead of the upcoming presidential elections in the United States.
