North Korea Unveils Its First Nuclear-Powered Submarine

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North Korea has revealed plans to construct its inaugural nuclear-powered submarine. Recent images released by state media depict leader Kim jong Un examining a substantial submarine under development at a shipyard.

This marks the first public acknowledgment of a nuclear-powered submarine by North Korea.

Military experts estimate that this vessel coudl weigh between 6,000 and 7,000 tons and may have the capacity to carry approximately ten missiles, including those capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The designation “strategic guided missile submarine” mentioned in state reports indicates that the craft is intended for launching both ballistic and cruise missiles.

Transitioning to a nuclear-powered submarine would considerably enhance North Korea’s naval capabilities compared to its current fleet of aging diesel submarines, which require frequent surfacing.

A nuclear propulsion system would allow for extended underwater travel without surfacing,complicating detection efforts by the U.S. and South Korea during potential missile launches.

Analysts caution that if operational, this submarine could represent a considerable security risk as it would enable North Korea to execute stealthy underwater nuclear strikes.

There are unverified claims suggesting that North Korea might have received technological assistance from Russia in developing this submarine. Reports indicate that Pyongyang may have provided conventional arms and possibly personnel to support Russia’s military operations in Ukraine in exchange for help with constructing a reactor for the vessel.

Despite enduring stringent international sanctions limiting access to advanced military technology, some analysts believe Russian backing could assist North Korea in overcoming significant technical challenges associated with building a nuclear-powered craft.

Kim Jong Un has been focused on advancing military technology over recent years.In 2021, he outlined an ambitious agenda featuring sophisticated weapon systems such as hypersonic missiles, spy satellites, solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles, multi-warhead missiles, and notably—nuclear submarines.

Since then, North Korea has conducted several weapons tests including those involving submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). Though, these tests were executed using smaller submarines weighing around 2,000 tons with only one launch tube available per vessel.

Many experts consider these smaller vessels more suitable as test platforms rather than fully operational submarines.In 2023, North Korea claimed it had launched its first “tactical nuclear attack submarine,” but there is no confirmation regarding its active status within their fleet.

During his visit to the shipyard overseeing construction efforts on this new class of vessels, Kim emphasized the necessity of modernizing both surface ships and submarines. He asserted that North Korean naval forces must possess “incomparably overwhelming warships” as a countermeasure against what he termed “gunboat diplomacy” from adversarial nations.

Forecasts suggest it may take one or two years before testing is completed on the new nuclear-powered submarine prior to deployment; however due to complexities surrounding nuclear propulsion technology timelines remain uncertain at best.

Currently estimated at around 70-90 diesel-powered submarines strong—making it one of the largest fleets globally—most are outdated models limited primarily to torpedo or mine deployment capabilities.