North Korea unveils submarine propelled by nuclear power
North Korea has showcased a nuclear-powered submarine that is currently under construction, providing the first images of the vessel. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
North Korea has showcased its inaugural nuclear-powered submarine, revealing images of Kim Jong-un inspecting the vessel during a visit to significant shipyards.
In a report on Saturday, state media referred to the submarine as a “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine.”
The undated photos did not specify the location of the shipyard, and specific details about the vessel were sparse, although the report mentioned that Kim was briefed on its construction progress.
For a long time, Pyongyang has aimed to integrate nuclear-powered submarines into its fleet to address perceived military threats from the US and its allies in the region.
As noted by the Nuclear Threat Initiative, North Korea possesses one of the largest submarine fleets globally, estimated to include between 70 and 90 vessels. However, many analysts contend that the majority of these submarines are outdated and may not be fully operational or capable of launching missiles.
In 2023, North Korea asserted that it had launched its first “tactical nuclear attack submarine,” a Sinpo-C class vessel said to be able to fire ten nuclear missiles while submerged. During this announcement, Kim revealed intentions to construct additional submarines, including a nuclear-powered one.
Additionally, last year, North Korea commenced construction on a new “modern naval base” designed to accommodate larger and more advanced warships and submarines anticipated to enter service soon.
Moon Keun-sik, a South Korean submariner expert, informed AP that the newly disclosed submarine seems to be a vessel weighing between 6,000 and 7,000 tons, with the capacity to carry around ten missiles. He indicated that the term ‘strategic guided missiles’ in the submarine's designation likely implies that it is intended to transport nuclear-capable weapons. If deployed, he warned, it “would be absolutely threatening to [South Korea] and the US.”
Kim's visit to the shipyard took place just days before the annual military drills between the US and South Korea, which are scheduled to start on Monday. Pyongyang has consistently condemned these exercises, perceiving them as preparations for an invasion.
During his tour, Kim underscored the importance of modernizing North Korea's naval capabilities, describing its surface and underwater warships as essential deterrents against what he referred to as the “inveterate gunboat diplomacy of hostile forces.”
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a report on Saturday, state media referred to the submarine as a “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine.”
The undated photos did not specify the location of the shipyard, and specific details about the vessel were sparse, although the report mentioned that Kim was briefed on its construction progress.
For a long time, Pyongyang has aimed to integrate nuclear-powered submarines into its fleet to address perceived military threats from the US and its allies in the region.
As noted by the Nuclear Threat Initiative, North Korea possesses one of the largest submarine fleets globally, estimated to include between 70 and 90 vessels. However, many analysts contend that the majority of these submarines are outdated and may not be fully operational or capable of launching missiles.
In 2023, North Korea asserted that it had launched its first “tactical nuclear attack submarine,” a Sinpo-C class vessel said to be able to fire ten nuclear missiles while submerged. During this announcement, Kim revealed intentions to construct additional submarines, including a nuclear-powered one.
Additionally, last year, North Korea commenced construction on a new “modern naval base” designed to accommodate larger and more advanced warships and submarines anticipated to enter service soon.
Moon Keun-sik, a South Korean submariner expert, informed AP that the newly disclosed submarine seems to be a vessel weighing between 6,000 and 7,000 tons, with the capacity to carry around ten missiles. He indicated that the term ‘strategic guided missiles’ in the submarine's designation likely implies that it is intended to transport nuclear-capable weapons. If deployed, he warned, it “would be absolutely threatening to [South Korea] and the US.”
Kim's visit to the shipyard took place just days before the annual military drills between the US and South Korea, which are scheduled to start on Monday. Pyongyang has consistently condemned these exercises, perceiving them as preparations for an invasion.
During his tour, Kim underscored the importance of modernizing North Korea's naval capabilities, describing its surface and underwater warships as essential deterrents against what he referred to as the “inveterate gunboat diplomacy of hostile forces.”
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
