North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inaugurated a new ‘tactical nuclear submarine’ in a strategic move aimed at countering the naval threat posed by the US and its Asian allies. Kim emphasized that this submarine significantly enhances Pyongyang’s nuclear deterrent capabilities, describing it as a leap forward that matches the potential threat of the nuclear-propelled U-boat he intends to acquire in the future.
Kim’s remarks were captured by the official Korean Central News Agency, which quoted him as stating, “The nuclear attack submarine, long seen as a symbol of aggression against our republic, has now become a symbol of our revolutionary power to strike fear into the hearts of our despicable enemies.” State media released photos of Kim at the launch ceremony, standing in front of the imposing black submersible named ‘Hero Kim Kun Ok.’ According to reports, this vessel will serve as a primary ‘underwater offensive means of the naval force.’
While North Korea has declared that the submarine is designed to launch tactical nuclear weapons from underwater, specific details about its missile capacity have not been disclosed. South Korean officials have expressed doubts about the submarine’s operational readiness and suggested the possibility of deception or exaggeration. Nevertheless, this development highlights North Korea’s ongoing efforts to expand its nuclear arsenal with systems that are more challenging to detect in advance. The submarine’s design, featuring 10 launch tube hatches, suggests the potential for carrying ballistic and cruise missiles.
Kim Jong-un has also indicated the nation’s ambition to acquire a nuclear-propelled submarine and modify existing vessels to accommodate nuclear weapons, underscoring North Korea’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities. Whether these efforts lead to increased military cooperation with Russia, including arms sales in exchange for economic aid and advanced weaponry technology, remains uncertain. Nonetheless, the development of nuclear-propelled submarines, which can quietly traverse long distances and approach enemy shores for strikes, is a formidable task for North Korea and may require external assistance in the near term.
The US Navy by the way has a very simple reply. Its called the Silent Service.
