North Korea has revealed its first nuclear-powered submarine, marking a significant step in the country’s military development. The submarine, which state media calls a “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine,” raises serious security concerns for South Korea and the United States.
Key features of the new submarine
State media released photos showing the submarine, which seems to weigh between 6,000 and 7,000 tonnes. It can carry about ten missiles. According to South Korean submarine expert Moon Keun-sik, the use of “strategic guided missiles” indicates the submarine is equipped with nuclear-capable weapons. This development could shift the security balance in the region.
Kim Jong Un unveiled the submarine project as part of a wider military plan in 2021. The plan also includes intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, spy satellites, and multi-warhead missiles. North Korea has since tested various technologies to develop these systems.
Security concerns and the submarine’s strategic importance
One key concern is the submarine’s ability to launch missiles from underwater. This makes it difficult for rivals to detect and stop such launches in advance. This new capability increases the threat posed by North Korea’s military forces.
Kim Jong Un visited shipyards where the submarine is being built. During his visit, he was briefed on the submarine’s progress. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did not provide specific details on the location or date of the visit, but it highlighted Kim’s growing confidence in the country’s naval power. Kim stated that North Korea’s “sea defence capabilities” will be demonstrated when necessary, without limitation.
This is the first time North Korea has publicly acknowledged its development of a ballistic missile submarine. In 2023, North Korea claimed to have launched its first “tactical nuclear attack submarine.” However, experts question whether the submarine is operational, with some speculating it may have been a diesel-powered submarine revealed in 2019.
North Korea’s growing military strength
North Korea is estimated to have between 70 and 90 diesel-powered submarines, making it one of the largest fleets in the world. However, many of these submarines are ageing and can only launch torpedoes and mines, not missiles. Despite this, North Korea has conducted several underwater missile tests since 2016. Most of these launches took place from a 2,000-tonne submarine, which experts consider a test platform, not an operational vessel.
The unveiling of the nuclear-powered submarine has raised questions about how North Korea has managed to acquire the technology and resources to build such a vessel, given its limited resources and ongoing international sanctions. Some experts suggest that North Korea may have received help from Russia, particularly in building a nuclear reactor for the submarine. In exchange, North Korea may have supplied conventional weapons and support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Regional tensions and future developments
Kim Jong Un’s rhetoric has become more intense recently, especially as the US-South Korea annual military drills approach. These exercises are set to begin soon. Kim stressed the need to modernise both surface and underwater warships. He stated that these enhanced warships must fulfil their mission to counter what he calls “the inveterate gunboat diplomacy of the hostile forces.” This indicates North Korea’s intention to continue advancing its military capabilities in response to perceived threats from the US and South Korea.
As North Korea continues its arms development, the situation in the region grows more concerning. The two Koreas remain technically at war, as the Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. As North Korea nears the completion of its nuclear-powered submarine, the impact on regional stability remains unclear. Both South Korea and the US continue to closely monitor North Korea’s next steps.
