For the first time, the DPRK released a photo of a nuclear submarine under construction
North Korea has for the first time shown an image of a nuclear submarine under construction. Its creation was personally inspected by the leader of the DPRK, Kim Jong Un. It was reported Associated Press, Yonhap with reference to the North Korean state news agency KCNA.
The media point out that the appearance of this submarine may pose a serious threat to the security of South Korea and the United States, as it may be equipped with nuclear warheads.
On Saturday, the KCNA news agency published photos of the submarine, which it described as a “nuclear submarine with strategic guided missiles.” It is reported that Kim Jong-un visited the main shipyards where warships are being built and received a report on the state of work.
The North Korean agency did not provide detailed technical information about the new submarine, but independent experts speculated about its characteristics.
According to South Korean submarine specialist Moon Kun-sik, who teaches at one of the universities in Seoul, the submarine can have a displacement of 6,000-7,000 tons and be able to carry up to 10 missiles on board. He noted that the use of the wording “strategic guided missiles” indicates their possible nuclear equipment.
This is the first time that the DPRK has officially disclosed the construction process and appearance of this vessel.
According to the sources, Kim Jong Un personally inspected the construction of a “nuclear strategic submarine with guided missiles”, which is being carried out as part of the defense plan adopted at the party congress in 2021.
The creation of a nuclear-powered submarine is part of North Korea’s massive military program, which Kim Jong-un unveiled at the same convention. Reconnaissance satellites and solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles were also among the key areas announced at the time.
It will be recalled that in September 2023, North Korea demonstrated its first tactical nuclear submarine, declaring that it is capable of delivering underwater nuclear strikes. Then Kim Jong-un announced plans to expand the submarine fleet, including the construction of new nuclear-powered submarines.
