The news of North Korea developing a nuclear-powered submarine has led to concerns over potential future threats to the United States.
Key Takeaways
- North Korea has announced the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine, which was inspected by Kim Jong Un.
- The vessel may carry around ten missiles, including nuclear-capable ones, Moon Keun-sik of Seoul’s Hanyang University suggested.
- The alleged project would be an upgrade over the diesel-powered fleet, allowing more stealth.
- Moon suggested possible Russian collaboration in technological support.
- The timeline for completion remains uncertain but could take one to two years, Moon estimates.
North Korea’s Reveal
North Korea’s state media released images of Kim Jong Un examining what the country is calling a nuclear-powered submarine project. The submarine, potentially weighing between 6,000 and 7,000 tons, might carry around 10 missiles, Hanyang University professor Moon Keun-sik suggested. This could enable North Korea to perform stealthy, prolonged underwater missions beyond the reach of adversaries.
State media cited the submarine as a “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine,” indicating an intent to equip it with ballistic and cruise missiles. If completed, this development could change the dynamics of North Korea’s military posture. Moon estimated that the submarine could be ready for a test run in a year or two.
You can view the photos here:
International Concerns and Uncertainties
Kim Jong Un’s project could challenge existing regional security frameworks, achieving an unprecedented strategic foothold for North Korea. Additionally, there has been speculation about possible Russian support for this submarine technology. Existing sanctions have curbed North Korea’s access to advanced military tech, but alleged Russian assistance could bridge North Korea’s technical gaps.
The international implications would be significant. A successfully launched submarine could shift the global perception and potentially increase military tensions. This is particularly critical given the yearly US-South Korea military drills, which North Korea views as provocative.
Forward-Looking Military Strategies
The future of US-North Korean relations appears unclear with these latest developments. Kim Jong Un has emphasized the necessity for “incomparably overwhelming warships” to counter perceived threats. North Korea has also increased its anti-U.S. rhetoric, promising to extend and enhance its nuclear capabilities.
Reports have noted that it’s impossible to independently verify information about the submarine and that the photos of the structure did not provide the date or location. Some experts reportedly think the structure is a test platform as opposed to an operational vessel, per The Telegraph.
As North Korea continues to defy international norms, global powers remain on alert, monitoring this bold step in the nation’s ongoing military evolution.
Sources
- North Korea Constructs Its First Ever Nuclear-Powered Submarine
- North Korea Unveils Nuclear Missile Submarine for First Time
- North Korea building nuclear-powered submarine with missile capability — and Russia may have helped
- North Korea unveils construction of ‘first nuclear-powered submarine’
