North Korea unveils its work on a nuclear-powered submarine for the first time
Soror Shaiza | Mar 08, 2025, 21:09 IST
( Image credit : AP )
North Korea has revealed for the first time that it is constructing a nuclear-powered submarine, a development that poses a significant security threat to South Korea and the U.S. The unveiling highlights the country's growing military capabilities and its plans to enhance its missile-launching potential from underwater.
A New Strategic Threat from North Korea
In a move that could dramatically escalate tensions in the region, North Korea has unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine under construction. This marks a significant step in the country’s military development, with the new submarine set to carry nuclear-capable missiles, making it a direct threat to both South Korea and the U.S. State media released images showing leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the shipbuilding process at a major naval yard, though specifics about the submarine's capabilities remain sparse. Experts suggest the vessel could weigh between 6,000 and 7,000 tons and be capable of carrying up to 10 missiles, with potential for nuclear weapons onboard. This move is part of a broader military buildup that Kim had pledged to pursue in response to perceived escalating threats from the U.S.
Why a Nuclear-Powered Submarine is a Game Changer
The development of a nuclear-powered submarine could dramatically alter the balance of power in the region. These submarines are especially concerning because they are harder to detect and track compared to traditional surface ships, making them ideal platforms for launching missiles undetected. Moon Keun-sik, a South Korean expert on submarines, emphasized that the capability to launch nuclear missiles from underwater would make North Korea a more unpredictable and dangerous adversary. It’s seen as a critical leap for North Korea as it seeks to project power and ensure a strategic advantage over its neighbors. This step would also enhance the country’s ability to retaliate if necessary, as submarines can operate stealthily and evade enemy detection.
The Likely Sources of North Korea’s Nuclear Technology
One of the most pressing questions surrounding North Korea’s new project is how the country, which is heavily sanctioned and impoverished, has been able to acquire the resources and technology necessary to build a nuclear-powered submarine. Some experts suggest that North Korea may have turned to Russia for help. Moon speculated that Russia could have provided the technology for the nuclear reactor in exchange for conventional weapons and military support for Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. This collaboration could have enabled North Korea to bypass sanctions and gain access to critical nuclear technology. Given North Korea’s technological advancements and the need for secrecy, there are still many unknowns about the scale and timeline of the submarine’s capabilities.
The Regional Impact and Escalating Tensions
North Korea’s announcement comes at a time of heightened tension in the region. With the U.S. and South Korea preparing for their annual joint military drills, which are set to begin soon, Kim Jong Un has ramped up his rhetoric, warning of potential conflict. North Korea’s repeated missile tests and nuclear threats have already strained relations with its neighbors, and the unveiling of this new submarine only intensifies fears. Kim has expressed his desire to modernize both surface and underwater warships, underlining the importance of these new capabilities to “contain” what he sees as “gunboat diplomacy” from the West. The addition of a nuclear-powered submarine to North Korea’s arsenal could further destabilize the region, creating more uncertainty and prompting a renewed arms race in East Asia.
In a move that could dramatically escalate tensions in the region, North Korea has unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine under construction. This marks a significant step in the country’s military development, with the new submarine set to carry nuclear-capable missiles, making it a direct threat to both South Korea and the U.S. State media released images showing leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the shipbuilding process at a major naval yard, though specifics about the submarine's capabilities remain sparse. Experts suggest the vessel could weigh between 6,000 and 7,000 tons and be capable of carrying up to 10 missiles, with potential for nuclear weapons onboard. This move is part of a broader military buildup that Kim had pledged to pursue in response to perceived escalating threats from the U.S.
Why a Nuclear-Powered Submarine is a Game Changer
The development of a nuclear-powered submarine could dramatically alter the balance of power in the region. These submarines are especially concerning because they are harder to detect and track compared to traditional surface ships, making them ideal platforms for launching missiles undetected. Moon Keun-sik, a South Korean expert on submarines, emphasized that the capability to launch nuclear missiles from underwater would make North Korea a more unpredictable and dangerous adversary. It’s seen as a critical leap for North Korea as it seeks to project power and ensure a strategic advantage over its neighbors. This step would also enhance the country’s ability to retaliate if necessary, as submarines can operate stealthily and evade enemy detection.
The Likely Sources of North Korea’s Nuclear Technology
One of the most pressing questions surrounding North Korea’s new project is how the country, which is heavily sanctioned and impoverished, has been able to acquire the resources and technology necessary to build a nuclear-powered submarine. Some experts suggest that North Korea may have turned to Russia for help. Moon speculated that Russia could have provided the technology for the nuclear reactor in exchange for conventional weapons and military support for Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. This collaboration could have enabled North Korea to bypass sanctions and gain access to critical nuclear technology. Given North Korea’s technological advancements and the need for secrecy, there are still many unknowns about the scale and timeline of the submarine’s capabilities.
The Regional Impact and Escalating Tensions
North Korea’s announcement comes at a time of heightened tension in the region. With the U.S. and South Korea preparing for their annual joint military drills, which are set to begin soon, Kim Jong Un has ramped up his rhetoric, warning of potential conflict. North Korea’s repeated missile tests and nuclear threats have already strained relations with its neighbors, and the unveiling of this new submarine only intensifies fears. Kim has expressed his desire to modernize both surface and underwater warships, underlining the importance of these new capabilities to “contain” what he sees as “gunboat diplomacy” from the West. The addition of a nuclear-powered submarine to North Korea’s arsenal could further destabilize the region, creating more uncertainty and prompting a renewed arms race in East Asia.