North Korea has unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine under construction that threatens to destabilize regional security. The rogue communist nation continues its aggressive military expansion despite international sanctions and condemnation.
At a glance:
• North Korea has revealed photos of a nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying around 10 nuclear-capable missiles
• The vessel is described as a “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine” estimated at 6,000-7,000 tons
• Experts suspect Russian assistance may have been provided in exchange for North Korea’s support in Ukraine
• The Biden administration has been monitoring the situation but has provided no additional information
• This development follows Kim Jong Un’s 2021 pledge to develop advanced weaponry including solid-fueled ICBMs and hypersonic weapons
North Korea’s Nuclear Navy Grows Despite Sanctions
North Korean state media has released images of a submarine described as a “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine” that would significantly enhance the regime’s military capabilities. The vessel is estimated to be a 6,000-ton or 7,000-ton class submarine with the capacity to carry approximately 10 nuclear-capable missiles, adding a dangerous new dimension to Kim Jong Un’s growing arsenal.
The submarine represents a major advancement from North Korea’s existing fleet of 70-90 aging diesel-powered submarines which are primarily limited to launching torpedoes and mines. This development comes as tensions continue to rise on the Korean peninsula ahead of joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises that North Korea routinely condemns as preparations for invasion.
Russian Connection Raises Alarming Questions
Security experts have raised serious questions about how North Korea could acquire the sophisticated technology necessary to build a nuclear-powered submarine while under heavy international sanctions. Speculation has grown that Russia may have provided technical assistance to North Korea in exchange for ammunition and troops supporting Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
Moon Keun-sik, a North Korea expert, warned about the implications: “It would be absolutely threatening to us and the US.” The Biden administration has appeared largely passive in response to this escalating threat, with National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes offering only minimal comment on the situation.
“We’re aware of these claims and do not have additional information to provide at this time,” he said. Hughes added that “The U.S. is committed to the complete denuclearization of North Korea,” a policy goal that appears increasingly unrealistic as North Korea continues to expand its nuclear capabilities.
Failed Diplomacy and Growing Threats
The submarine development represents another failure of the Biden administration’s approach to North Korea following earlier diplomatic breakthroughs during the Trump presidency. Despite President Trump’s historic meetings with Kim Jong Un, North Korea claims that tensions with the United States have only intensified in recent years as the Biden administration has failed to maintain meaningful dialogue.
Kim Jong Un personally inspected the submarine project and emphasized his regime’s commitment to naval modernization, stating that “The incomparably overwhelming warships fulfill their mission.” The dictator’s 2021 pledge to develop advanced weaponry has systematically materialized despite international efforts to curtail North Korea’s military expansion through sanctions.
Military analysts estimate that North Korea could potentially launch the submarine for testing within one or two years before operational deployment. The ability to launch nuclear missiles from underwater locations would significantly complicate detection efforts and create new challenges for American and South Korean defense systems in the Pacific region.
