North Korea unveils nuclear submarine for the first time
Photo: North Korea unveils its first nuclear submarine (Getty Images)
North Korea has unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine, which is still under construction, informs NBC News.
According to the outlet, state media released photos showing a "nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine."
The report also mentioned visits by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to key shipyards where military vessels are being built.
Photo: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspecting a shipbuilding project at a major shipyard at an undisclosed location in North Korea
Photo: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspecting a shipbuilding project at a major shipyard at an undisclosed location in North Korea
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did not provide details about the submarine but noted that Kim Jong Un was informed about the progress of its construction.
According to Moon Keun-sik, a submarine expert and professor at Hanyang University in Seoul, the vessel likely has a displacement of 6,000 to 7,000 tons and can carry about 10 missiles. The use of the term "strategic guided missiles" suggests that the submarine may be equipped with nuclear weapons.
“It would be absolutely threatening to us and the US,” Moon said.
The nuclear-powered submarine was included in a list of advanced weaponry that Kim Jong Un promised to develop. This came during a major political conference in 2021 in response to "escalating US-led military threats." Other items on this list include:
- solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles,
- hypersonic weapons,
- spy satellites,
- multiple warhead missiles.
Since then, North Korea has been actively testing these types of weapons.
According to NBC News, the enhancement of Pyongyang's ability to launch missiles underwater is troubling, as such launches are difficult to detect in advance.
Questions arise about how North Korea, which is under strict sanctions and has limited resources, was able to acquire the technology to build a nuclear-powered submarine.
Moon believes that North Korea may have received technological assistance from Russia in developing the nuclear reactor for the submarine. In exchange, North Korea may have supplied conventional weapons and sent troops to support Russia's war against Ukraine.
As a reminder, in October last year, South Korean intelligence reported that North Korea may have started building a new submarine, likely capable of operating on nuclear fuel.
It should also be noted that North Korea has been working on its nuclear weapons program for decades. According to media reports, last year, North Korea conducted up to ten underground nuclear tests.
Leader Kim Jong Un has stated that Pyongyang will use all of its weapons, including nuclear ones, if the sovereignty of North Korea is threatened.
