North Korea unveils its first nuclear-powered submarine

North Korea has recently unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine under construction for the first time, a move that poses a significant security threat to both South Korea and the United States. The state media released photos of what they described as a “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine,” during leader Kim Jong Un’s visits to major shipyards where warships are being built.

Although specific details about the submarine were not provided by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), it was reported that Kim Jong Un was briefed on its construction. South Korean submarine expert Moon Keun-sik indicated that the vessel appears to be a 6,000-ton-class or 7,000-ton-class submarine capable of carrying around 10 missiles, potentially nuclear-capable weapons.

This development comes as part of North Korea’s efforts to enhance its military capabilities in response to what the country perceives as escalating military threats led by the United States. In addition to the nuclear-powered submarine, Kim Jong Un has also expressed intentions to introduce other sophisticated weaponry such as solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, spy satellites, and multi-warhead missiles.

The acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine by North Korea raises concerns due to the difficulty in detecting missile launches from underwater, providing the country with a strategic advantage. Questions have been raised about how North Korea, a heavily sanctioned and economically challenged nation, managed to acquire the resources and technology necessary to build such a submarine.

Speculation suggests that North Korea may have received technological assistance from Russia in exchange for supplying conventional weapons and troops to support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. Moon Keun-sik also mentioned that the submarine could be launched for testing purposes within the next one or two years before its actual deployment.

Despite North Korea’s possession of a large fleet of approximately 70-90 diesel-powered submarines, most of them are aging vessels capable of launching torpedoes and mines rather than missiles. Previous claims by North Korea regarding the launch of a “tactical nuclear attack submarine” have been met with skepticism by foreign experts, who believe it may have been a diesel-powered submarine instead.

As North Korea continues to conduct underwater-launched ballistic missile tests, concerns remain about the country’s military capabilities and intentions. The recent escalation in rhetoric against the U.S. and South Korea ahead of their annual military drills indicates heightened tensions in the region. Kim Jong Un’s emphasis on modernizing both water-surface and underwater warships underscores North Korea’s commitment to strengthening its naval capabilities to counter perceived threats from hostile forces.

In conclusion, the unveiling of a nuclear-powered submarine by North Korea represents a significant development in the country’s military arsenal, raising concerns about regional security and stability. The integration of this advanced weaponry into North Korea’s naval forces underscores the need for vigilance and diplomatic efforts to address potential security challenges in the region.