- Kim Jong Un Unveils North Korea’s First Nuclear-Capable Submarine
- Skepticism Surrounds Submarine’s Effectiveness
- Regional Concerns Amid Ongoing North Korean Missile Tests
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un participated in a ceremony to unveil what Pyongyang claims is its first nuclear-capable submarine.
State media said the sub strengthened the country’s nuclear deterrent by “leaps and bounds”.
Legendary North Korean naval officer Hero Kim Kun Ok inspired its name.
Submarines capable of launching nuclear warheads have long been on North Korea’s list of desired weapons.
State media photos show Mr. Kim in a shipyard with naval commanders and a gigantic black submarine.
He said the submarine will be a key “underwater offensive” weapon for the navy.
“The nuclear attack submarine, which has been a symbol of aggression against our nation for decades, now represents our menacing power that strikes fear into the hearts of our ruthless foes,” he said.
However, there is skepticism regarding its effectiveness.
Analysts believe it is a nuclear-armed Romeo-class submarine from the Soviet era, the same type that Kim Jong-un inspected in 2019.
“As a platform, it will have some fundamental limitations and vulnerabilities,” said Joseph Dempsey, a researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
According to former US government weapons expert Vann Van Diepen, who spoke with the Reuters news agency, these include being loud, sluggish, and having a limited range.
Mr. Dempsey said the sub’s stern and propellers are hidden to hide its age.
We are unsure whether this submarine is operational. The North Koreans have not yet demonstrated that they can launch nuclear-capable missiles successfully.
Short-range submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCM) for regional targets were likely on board.
South Korea has blasted the launch and questioned the submarine’s capabilities, claiming North Korea inflated them.
Japan has expressed unease as well. According to Reuters, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stated that North Korea’s military activity poses a “graver and more imminent threat to our country’s security than before.
North Korea has continued to test ballistic and cruise missiles this year after a large uptick in 2022.
The submarine’s existence was revealed days before the 75th anniversary of the North’s foundation. State media say a Chinese delegation will attend the celebrations.
It also follows allegations that Kim will travel to Russia this month to meet with Putin.
There are fears that in exchange, North Korea may pursue advanced weaponry from Russia.
