North Korea recently unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine under construction, which is considered a significant security threat to South Korea and the U.S. The submarine is reported to be a 6,000-ton-class or 7,000-ton-class vessel capable of carrying about 10 missiles. Analysts believe that it will carry nuclear-capable weapons, making it a major concern for neighboring countries. This unveiling comes as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to introduce advanced weaponry, including nuclear-powered submarines, to counter what he perceives as escalating military threats from the U.S.
The ability of North Korea to fire missiles from underwater poses a challenge for its rivals, as such launches are difficult to detect in advance. Questions have arisen regarding how North Korea, a country facing heavy sanctions and economic challenges, could acquire the resources and technology needed to build a nuclear-powered submarine. Some experts suggest that North Korea may have received assistance from Russia in exchange for conventional weapons and troops for Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. It is expected that the submarine could be launched for testing purposes within the next one to two years before potential deployment.
Currently, North Korea is believed to have a large fleet of diesel-powered submarines, but many of them are older models capable of launching torpedoes and mines rather than missiles. While North Korea claimed to have launched a “tactical nuclear attack submarine” in 2023, foreign experts have cast doubts on the announcement and speculated that it may have been a previously disclosed diesel-powered submarine. Furthermore, the underwater-launched ballistic missile tests conducted by North Korea have mostly been carried out from a 2,000-ton-class submarine with a single launch tube, which experts consider to be a test platform rather than an operational submarine.
Recent provocative statements from North Korea against the U.S. and South Korea coincide with the upcoming annual military drills between the two countries. During his visits to shipyards, Kim emphasized North Korea’s aim to modernize its surface and underwater warships simultaneously. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that the country’s warships are capable of fulfilling their mission and countering perceived hostilities from foreign forces. This aggressive rhetoric and focus on military capabilities raise concerns about the intentions and potential actions of North Korea in the region.
The unveiling of a nuclear-powered submarine adds to North Korea’s already substantial arsenal of missiles and nuclear weapons, reinforcing its status as a significant security threat in the region. The development of such advanced weaponry reflects Kim Jong Un’s ambition to bolster the country’s military capabilities in the face of perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies. As North Korea continues to test and develop its weapons systems, neighboring countries are urged to monitor the situation closely and assess the potential risks posed by these advancements. Efforts to engage diplomatically and address security concerns remain essential in maintaining stability and peace in the region.
