Kim Jong Un Inspects Nuclear Submarine as U.S. Monitors Threat

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Kim Jong Un Inspects Nuclear Submarine as U.S. Monitors Threat \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ North Korea has revealed for the first time that it is constructing a nuclear-powered submarine, a development that could pose a major security threat to the U.S. and South Korea. State media released images of what it called a “strategic guided missile submarine”, with Kim Jong Un personally inspecting the shipyards. Analysts suggest the vessel may carry nuclear-capable missiles, further advancing Pyongyang’s military ambitions. The U.S. National Security Council acknowledged the claims but provided no further details, while experts speculate Russia may have aided North Korea’s submarine program in exchange for weapons to support its war in Ukraine.

North Korea Nuclear Submarine: Quick Look

First Nuclear Submarine Revealed – North Korea unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine under construction.
Kim Jong Un Inspects Shipyard – State media released images of Kim touring major naval facilities.
Potentially Armed with Nuclear Missiles – Experts believe the 6,000-7,000-ton submarine can carry up to 10 nuclear-capable missiles.
U.S. Monitoring Threat – The National Security Council acknowledged the claims but provided no further details.
Possible Russian Assistance – Analysts suggest Russia may have provided nuclear reactor technology in exchange for North Korean weapons for Ukraine.
Concerns Over Stealth Attacks – A nuclear-powered submarine would make it harder for the U.S. and South Korea to detect missile launches.
Growing Military Capabilities – North Korea continues testing ICBMs, hypersonic weapons, and spy satellites.
Tensions Rise Before U.S.-South Korea Drills – North Korea warns of retaliation as joint military exercises begin next week.

Deep Look

North Korea has publicly unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine under construction, marking a significant escalation in its military capabilities and raising security concerns for both the United States and South Korea.

Kim Jong Un Inspects Nuclear Submarine Construction

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released photos and reports on Saturday, showing Kim Jong Un touring major shipyards where the nuclear submarine is being developed.

“North Korea is modernizing its naval forces and aims to create an incomparably overwhelming fleet to counter hostile forces,” KCNA reported.

Kim stressed the importance of strengthening North Korea’s maritime defense, particularly against U.S.-led military threats.

What We Know About the Submarine

While KCNA did not disclose technical details, experts analyzing the photos and reports suggest:

The vessel is likely a 6,000-7,000-ton-class submarine.
It may be capable of carrying up to 10 nuclear-capable missiles.
The use of the term “strategic guided missiles” indicates nuclear weapon deployment capability.
The submarine could become operational in 1-2 years following test runs.

“This development is a major threat to South Korea and the U.S.,” said Moon Keun-sik, a submarine expert at Seoul’s Hanyang University.

Could Russia Be Helping North Korea?

Given North Korea’s economic struggles and international sanctions, many analysts question how Pyongyang acquired the technology and materials needed for a nuclear-powered submarine.

Moon speculated that Russia may have provided technological assistance in exchange for North Korean weapons and possible troop support for its war in Ukraine.

North Korea is suspected of supplying conventional weapons to Russia.
Russia, in return, could have helped North Korea develop a nuclear reactor for the submarine.
The timing of the announcement aligns with North Korea’s growing military cooperation with Moscow.

If true, this would further deepen geopolitical tensions between North Korea, the U.S., and its allies.

North Korea’s Expanding Underwater Missile Capabilities

A nuclear-powered submarine would be a major leap for North Korea, which already boasts one of the world’s largest submarine fleets.

North Korea has 70-90 diesel-powered submarines, but most are old and can only launch torpedoes or mines.
In 2023, Pyongyang claimed to have launched a tactical nuclear submarine, but experts believe it was a modified diesel-powered vessel.
Since 2016, North Korea has been testing submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), but all launches came from a small 2,000-ton submarine with only one launch tube.

The new nuclear-powered submarine would allow North Korea to launch nuclear strikes from underwater, making early detection more difficult for its adversaries.

U.S. and South Korea Respond to the Growing Threat

The U.S. National Security Council (NSC) reacted cautiously to the announcement.

“We are aware of these claims and do not have additional information to provide at this time,” said NSC spokesman Brian Hughes.

“The U.S. remains committed to the complete denuclearization of North Korea.”

Meanwhile, South Korea is closely monitoring developments and has called for increased military readiness as the U.S. and South Korea prepare for joint military drills next week.

North Korea’s Growing Military Ambitions

The nuclear submarine project is part of Kim Jong Un’s long-term military strategy, first outlined in 2021, which also includes:

Solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)
Hypersonic weapons
Spy satellites
Multi-warhead missile technology

Since then, North Korea has significantly ramped up testing and development, successfully launching ICBMs and hypersonic missiles.

North Korea’s Rhetoric Heats Up Ahead of U.S.-South Korea Military Drills

Tensions are already high as South Korea and the U.S. prepare to launch their annual military exercises on Monday.

North Korea has condemned these drills, calling them “acts of provocation” and threatening to respond with military action.

Kim Jong Un, during his shipyard visits, doubled down on his commitment to expanding North Korea’s naval power.

“Our warships will counter the inveterate gunboat diplomacy of hostile forces,” KCNA quoted Kim as saying.

What Happens Next?

Launch Timeline: Experts predict the submarine could be operational within 1-2 years.
U.S. & Allies’ Response: The U.S., South Korea, and Japan may increase surveillance and anti-submarine warfare efforts.
International Sanctions: If Russian involvement is confirmed, it could lead to new sanctions against both North Korea and Russia.
Potential Missile Tests: North Korea may conduct further underwater missile tests to demonstrate its new capability.