North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends the launching ceremony of a new nuclear attack submarine, a crucial step in building a nuclear-armed navy to counter the United States and its Asian allies.
North Korean Leader Unveils New Nuclear Attack Submarine, “Hero Kim Kun Ok”
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a launching ceremony for the country’s latest nuclear attack submarine, according to state media reports. The vessel, named “Hero Kim Kun Ok,” is designed to launch tactical nuclear weapons from underwater. However, the exact number of missiles that the submarine can carry and fire has not been specified. During the launching ceremony and an onboard inspection, Kim expressed satisfaction that North Korea now has its own nuclear attack submarine to counter the advanced naval assets of the United States and its Asian allies.
Kim also revealed that North Korea is pursuing a nuclear-propelled submarine and plans to remodel its existing submarines and surface vessels to handle nuclear weapons. He described the building of a nuclear-capable army as an “urgent task.” It is believed that the new submarine is the same one that Kim inspected while it was under construction in 2019. Analysts assessed it at the time as an effort to convert an existing Romeo-class submarine. The submarine is equipped with at least 10 launch tubes, with four of them larger than the other six, potentially designed for ballistic and cruise missile launches.
North Korea has been conducting missile tests for submarines as part of its pursuit of the ability to conduct nuclear strikes from underwater. This capability is seen as a means to bolster its deterrent by ensuring a survivable capability to retaliate after absorbing a nuclear attack on land. The addition of ballistic missile submarines would also pose a maritime threat alongside North Korea’s existing collection of solid-fuel weapons fired from land vehicles, which are designed to overwhelm missile defenses in South Korea and Japan. The presence of tens of thousands of U.S. troops in the region makes these advancements significant for the United States and its allies.
However, building a fleet of several submarines capable of quiet travel and reliable attacks would require considerable time, resources, and technological improvements, especially for the heavily sanctioned nation. Nevertheless, Kim emphasized the significance of the new submarine, stating, “The nuclear attack submarine, for decades a symbol of aggression against our republic, has now become a symbol of our revolutionary power to strike fear into the hearts of our despicable enemies.”
In related news, there is speculation that Kim is preparing to visit Russia for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, which could involve discussions on North Korean arms sales. North Korea could provide artillery shells and other ammunition to Russia in exchange for economic aid and advanced weapons technologies, including those related to submarine-launched ballistic missile systems, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and military spy satellites. The launching of the new submarine is reportedly timed to coincide with the country’s 75th anniversary, which will be celebrated with festivities, including a paramilitary parade.
Overall, North Korea’s unveiling of the new nuclear attack submarine showcases its ongoing efforts to develop a nuclear-armed navy as a deterrent against the United States and its allies. The advancements made in submarine capabilities, along with the pursuit of nuclear-propelled submarines, demonstrate the country’s determination to establish itself as a regional power. However, the challenges of building a formidable submarine fleet should not be underestimated, and it remains to be seen how North Korea’s naval ambitions will unfold in the future.