North Korea has announced the launch of a nuclear attack submarine named “Hero Kim Kun Ok”. This development has been a crucial step as leader Kim Jong Un attempts to build a nuclear-armed navy to counter the United States and its Asian allies. The vessel is designed to launch tactical nuclear weapons from underwater, although the exact number of missiles it can carry and fire has not been disclosed.
During the launching ceremony and an onboard inspection, Kim expressed satisfaction that North Korea now possesses its own nuclear attack submarine to counter the advanced naval assets of the United States. This is in response to the docking of a U.S. nuclear-capable ballistic missile submarine in South Korea for the first time in decades.
Kim also revealed that North Korea is pursuing a nuclear-propelled submarine and plans to modify its existing submarines and surface vessels to handle nuclear weapons. The country sees building a nuclear-capable army as an urgent task.
North Korea has been testing a variety of missiles designed for submarine launches as part of their effort to develop the ability to conduct nuclear strikes from underwater. This move aims to strengthen their deterrent capabilities by ensuring they can retaliate after absorbing a nuclear attack on land.
By adding ballistic missile submarines to their arsenal, North Korea would pose a maritime threat alongside their growing collection of solid-fuel weapons fired from land vehicles. This would further challenge missile defenses in South Korea and Japan. Both countries are key U.S. allies and host a significant number of American troops in the region.
However, it would require a significant amount of time, resources, and technological advancements for North Korea to build a fleet of several submarines capable of executing attacks quietly and reliably.
It is worth noting that this news comes amid speculation that Kim is preparing to visit Russia soon for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. The focus of the meeting could be on North Korean arms sales to replenish Russian reserves drained by the war in Ukraine.
Analysts suggest that North Korea might seek economic aid and advanced weapons technologies, including submarine-launched ballistic missile systems, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and military spy satellites, in exchange for providing Russia with artillery shells and other ammunition.
