North Korea Unveils Nuclear-Powered Submarine, Heightening Security Concerns
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — In a significant display of military advancement, North Korea has showcased its first-ever nuclear-powered submarine currently under construction. This development poses notable security threats to both South Korea and the United States.
Unveiling of a New Military Asset
On March 8, 2025, North Korean state media released images of what it described as a “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine.” The photos accompanied reports of leader Kim Jong Un’s inspection of major shipyards involved in warship construction.
Details and Specifications
While specific details about the submarine remain sparse, South Korean submarine expert Moon Keun-sik indicated that it likely falls within the 6,000 to 7,000-ton class and is capable of carrying approximately ten missiles. According to Moon, the terminology utilized suggests that these missiles may be nuclear-capable.
“It would be absolutely threatening to us and the U.S.,” said Moon.
Background Context
This naval vessel is part of a broader agenda outlined by Kim Jong Un during a 2021 political conference, where he expressed intentions to develop advanced military technologies as a countermeasure to perceived U.S.-led military threats.
North Korea has embarked on a series of tests and developments, including solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons. The capability to launch missiles from underwater adds a layer of complexity, making it difficult for adversaries to detect such launches beforehand.
Concerns Regarding Technological Assistance
The emergence of this submarine raises questions about how North Korea—a nation impoverished and subject to stringent international sanctions—managed to acquire the necessary resources and technology. Moon noted the possibility of North Korea receiving technological help from Russia to construct a reactor suitable for the submarine, potentially linked to military support for Russia’s ongoing operations in Ukraine.
Future Projections and Current Inventory
Experts suggest that North Korea might conduct tests with this submarine within the next one to two years prior to its full deployment. Currently, the country maintains an estimated fleet of 70 to 90 diesel-powered submarines, many of which are outdated and primarily suited for launching torpedoes and mines rather than missiles.
Although North Korea had claimed the launch of its first “tactical nuclear attack submarine” in 2023, skepticism remains regarding this assertion, with many experts believing it referred to an older diesel-powered model. Assertions about the capabilities of the submarine remain unverified.
Increased Tensions Ahead of Joint Military Exercises
Recent rhetoric from North Korea has intensified, coinciding with upcoming joint military drills between South Korea and the United States. During his shipyard visits, Kim Jong Un emphasized the need to modernize both surface and underwater naval vessels to bolster defense against what he termed “gunboat diplomacy” from rival nations.
As North Korea continues to advance its military capabilities, the situation remains dynamic, warranting close attention from global security analysts.
