Post by : Badri Ariffin

North Korea has unveiled significant progress in its efforts to develop its inaugural nuclear-powered submarine, a development likely to heighten tensions across the Korean Peninsula and beyond.

According to state media, leader Kim Jong Un recently visited a prominent shipyard to review the construction of an 8,700-ton class submarine, which Pyongyang refers to as a key element of its naval modernization strategy. Images released by the Korean Central News Agency depicted a large, nearly finished hull within an assembly area, providing the most detailed public view of the submarine thus far.

The report indicates that the submarine is intended to carry nuclear armaments and is characterized as a “strategic guided missile submarine,” emphasizing its role in enhancing North Korea’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. During his inspection, Kim sharply criticized South Korea for developing its own nuclear submarine project, labeling this initiative as an “offensive action” that jeopardizes the North’s security and maritime rights.

Kim stated that South Korea's ambitions only heighten the necessity for North Korea to expedite the nuclear fortification of its naval forces. He asserted that the submarine's completion would signify an “epoch-making” advancement in empowering the nation to counter perceived hostile elements.

While the timeline of Kim’s visit remains unspecified, analysts suggest the newly released photographs imply that the project is in an advanced phase. Submarine expert Moon Keun-sik from Hanyang University pointed out that submarines are generally built from the inside out, suggesting that critical systems like engines and possibly the reactor might have already been installed.

“The unveiling of the complete hull suggests that the vessel could be approaching readiness for launch,” Moon noted, indicating that sea trials might start in a matter of months if construction maintains its current speed.

A nuclear-powered submarine has long been a key military objective for Kim. It was prominently featured in a 2021 defense strategy that also included solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, reconnaissance satellites, and multiple-warhead missiles. Since then, North Korea has progressively enhanced several of these capabilities, recently showcasing a new naval destroyer that Kim commended for amplifying the operational range and strike potential of the nation’s nuclear forces.

Regional and international analysts remain doubtful about North Korea's ability to overcome technological and financial barriers, particularly given years of stringent sanctions. Some speculate that North Korea’s strengthening ties with Russia, including military aid for President Vladimir Putin’s conflict in Ukraine, may have enabled some technological concerns to be addressed. Others believe the reactor was likely designed domestically, potentially with indirect international assistance.

Simultaneously, South Korea is pushing forward with its own nuclear ambitions. President Lee Jae Myung recently sought U.S. support for a nuclear-powered submarine during discussions with Washington, a proposal that U.S. President Donald Trump has openly endorsed. Nevertheless, uncertainties linger regarding the construction plans and the acquisition of sensitive reactor and fuel technology.

In a separate but related update, North Korean media disclosed that Kim supervised tests of new anti-aircraft missiles, with launches confirmed by South Korea’s military. These tests occur amid escalating tensions on the peninsula, as Pyongyang dismisses calls from Seoul and Washington to revive stalled denuclearization discussions.

With both Koreas focusing on nuclear-powered submarines, experts caution that the strategic equilibrium in Northeast Asia may be entering a more precarious era.

#Global News