North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently flaunted an imposing 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine, issuing a foreboding message to neighboring countries. The dictator proudly showcased his nation’s advancements in constructing the massive underwater vessel during a visit to a shipyard. This submarine, a key component in modernizing and arming North Korea’s navy, is purportedly intended to be loaded with nuclear weapons to serve as a “strategic guided missile submarine.”
Kim Jong-un’s condemnation of South Korea coincided with his inspection of the construction of the 8,700-ton-class nuclear-propelled submarine, labeling South Korea’s pursuit of similar technology as an “offensive act.” The North Korean leader criticized this effort by his neighbors, asserting that it violated North Korea’s security and maritime sovereignty. He seized upon South Korea’s actions to justify his ambitions to enhance and arm North Korea’s navy with nuclear capabilities.
Describing the completion of the nuclear-powered submarine as a groundbreaking development in bolstering its nuclear deterrent against perceived threats, Kim Jong-un stood by the vessel, appearing alongside his daughter and senior officials at the assembly hall. This marked the first release of images of the submarine by North Korean state media since March, showcasing significant progress in the construction process.
While the exact timeline for the submarine’s completion remains undisclosed, the visible progress suggests that critical components such as the engine or reactor may already be in place. The nuclear-powered submarine was among the advanced weaponry Kim Jong-un announced during a major political conference, citing the need for enhanced military capabilities to counter perceived threats.
The potential operational capabilities of this new nuclear submarine could pose challenges for regional security, as it could operate stealthily for extended durations and launch missiles from underwater, making preemptive detection difficult. Kim Jong-un’s public appearances with his daughter have garnered attention, with the young girl accompanying him to various events, including a Chinese military parade, marking a departure from her previously undisclosed status.