North Korea Unveils Nuclear-Powered Submarine, Raising Security Concerns
North Korea has unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine under construction, marking a significant development in its military capabilities and posing a potential threat to South Korea and the United States. State media released photos of the submarine, described as a "nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine," during leader Kim Jong Un's visit to major shipyards.
The submarine is believed to be a 6,000-ton or 7,000-ton class vessel capable of carrying around 10 missiles, including nuclear-capable ones. This development raises concerns due to the difficulty of detecting underwater missile launches, making it a significant threat to regional security.
North Korea's pursuit of a nuclear-powered submarine aligns with its stated goal of acquiring advanced weaponry to counter perceived threats from the United States. The country has conducted numerous tests of various weapons systems, including solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and spy satellites.
Questions remain about how North Korea, a heavily sanctioned and impoverished nation, obtained the resources and technology to build such a submarine. Experts speculate that Russia may have provided technological assistance in exchange for conventional weapons and troops to support its war efforts in Ukraine.
North Korea's existing fleet of submarines primarily consists of aging diesel-powered vessels capable of launching only torpedoes and mines. While the country claimed to have launched a "tactical nuclear attack submarine" in 2023, experts doubt its operational status.
The unveiling of the nuclear-powered submarine comes amidst heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has recently intensified its rhetoric against the United States and South Korea ahead of their upcoming joint military exercises. Kim Jong Un emphasized the need to modernize both surface and underwater warships to counter "the inveterate gunboat diplomacy of the hostile forces.
12 Comments
Karamba
North Korea will not be intimidated by the West's constant threats.
Rotfront
It's hypocritical for nuclear-armed countries to criticize North Korea for its efforts towards security and defense.
Matzomaster
Given the hostile presence of advanced military weapons in South Korea and Japan, North Korea is simply protecting itself.
Rotfront
Western media always exaggerates—as a sovereign nation, North Korea has the full right to develop its own independent defense strategies.
Matzomaster
International sanctions clearly haven't stopped them—perhaps it's time for a tougher international response.
Muchacho
North Korea continues to waste huge resources on destructive weapons while its citizens live in poverty. Shameful priorities.
ZmeeLove
Kim Jong Un's obsession with weaponry threatens global peace. The world must take immediate action.
Africa
People should remember who has military bases and troops stationed near North Korea. It's understandable they're upgrading their defense.
Mariposa
Why spend millions on nuclear submarines instead of investing in humanitarian aid and feeding children?
Muchacha
If sanctions didn't isolate them, maybe cooperation, dialogue, and respect towards North Korea would result in more positive outcomes.
Bella Ciao
What can North Korea possibly gain from this move, apart from more isolation and economic devastation?
Comandante
They are forced into building these defenses by ongoing threats and military drill provocations from the US and its allies.