North Korea Unveils Its First Nuclear-Powered Submarine

KRKorea|

North Korea has revealed the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine, a development that poses significant security concerns for South Korea and the United States. The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on March 9, 2025, that Kim Jong Un inspected the shipyards where this submarine, described as a strategic guided missile vessel, is being built.

Experts estimate the submarine to be approximately 6,000 to 7,000 tons, with a capacity to carry around ten missiles, potentially including nuclear-equipped weapons. Moon Keun-sik, a submarine expert at Hanyang University, expressed that the submarine represents a major threat, given its capability to launch missiles from underwater, making detection difficult for adversaries.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes mentioned that they are aware of the submarine claims but offered no further information. Concerns have also emerged regarding North Korea's ability to obtain the necessary resources and technology for such a project, with speculation about potential Russian assistance in exchange for military support against Ukraine.

North Korea’s recent military rhetoric has intensified ahead of joint military exercises planned by the U.S. and South Korea.

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