North Korea has launched its inaugural “tactical nuclear attack submarine,” a crucial component of leader Kim Jong Un’s strategy to establish a nuclear-armed naval force in response to the United States and its Asian allies. This development marks a significant milestone in North Korea’s military ambitions.
The newly unveiled submarine, named Hero Kim Kun Ok after a notable North Korean historical figure, was launched with Kim overseeing the event. Official reports from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirm that the submarine is designed for launching tactical nuclear weapons from underwater, marking a significant advancement for North Korea’s navy.
While the KCNA did not specify the exact number of missiles the submarine can carry and fire, experts, after analyzing state media photos, suggest it has the potential to carry up to 10 of North Korea’s Pukgoksong-3 weapons, with the capability to launch them from underwater. However, many aspects of this new development remain uncertain.
Official photos from the launch event depict a festive atmosphere, with colorful balloons, confetti, and crowds of people greeting Kim on the dock. Kim’s speech highlighted the strategic importance of the Hero Kim Kun Ok, stating that it would play a central role in North Korea’s naval offensive capabilities. He also emphasized the country’s plans to transform its existing submarines into nuclear-armed attack submarines and expedite the development of nuclear-powered submarines.
Kim expressed a sense of urgency in developing North Korea’s naval forces, citing perceived aggressive actions and military moves by the United States and South Korea as reasons to accelerate the process of “nuclear weaponisation of the navy.”
However, some analysts are skeptical of the submarine’s capabilities, viewing it as another example of the North Korean leadership prioritizing military ambitions over the well-being of its citizens. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk has previously stated that North Korea’s military focus is diverting crucial resources away from addressing food shortages among its population.
North Korea has been actively conducting weapons tests in recent years, including the launch of what it described as a “new type” of submarine-launched ballistic missile. These actions have raised concerns and prompted international responses, as North Korea is prohibited from conducting ballistic missile tests under long-standing United Nations sanctions.
Although North Korea maintains a sizable submarine fleet, only the experimental ballistic missile submarine known as 8.24 Yongung (August 24 Hero) has been confirmed to have launched a missile.
In addition to these developments, a high-level Chinese delegation is scheduled to visit North Korea as the country prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un is expected to travel to Russia in the coming weeks for discussions that may include the supply of North Korean weapons to Moscow, potentially involving advanced technologies, such as nuclear-powered submarines.