North Korea’s recent reveal of a nuclear-powered submarine signals a potential shift in the balance of power, fueling concerns about its possible implications.
Quick Takes
- North Korea says it is constructing a nuclear-powered submarine.
- It’s possible the submarine could carry up to 10 nuclear-capable missiles.
- Speculation suggests possible Russian support in its construction.
- The submarine challenges existing international sanctions.
- Some experts believe the submarine could be more of a test platform than an operational vessel.
North Korea’s Announcement
North Korea appears to be making headway in its military capabilities by developing its first nuclear-powered submarine. The nation’s state media recently posted photos describing the vessel as a “a nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine.” Moon Keun-sik of Seoul’s Hanyang University has estimated that the submarine weighs between 6,000 and 7,000 tons and could carry up to ten missiles, which include nuclear-capable ones.
Kim Jong Un was observed inspecting the submarine in a navy shipyard, making it North Korea’s first public showcase of such military technology. The submarine indicates potential for both ballistic and cruise missile launches.
Geopolitical Implications
The construction and potential deployment of this submarine casts doubt on the acquisition mechanisms and international sanctions targeting North Korean military development. Moon Keun-sik suggested that Russia might have offered assistance in return for North Korean support in the Ukrainian conflict. This, he indicated, might be how North Korea acquired such technology despite being under such heavy sanctions.
Nuclear submarines are game-changers due to their stealth and missile-launch capabilities from vast distances. When underwater, these submarines are difficult to detect, escalating concerns about their strategic deployment against adversaries.
However, it’s notable that the information about the submarine can’t be independently verified. Many experts reportedly believe the submarine may function as a test platform rather than as an operational vessel.
The Broader Picture
Since 2021, Kim Jong Un has consistently pursued advanced military technologies, such as these submarines, to address perceived threats. North Korea’s extensive diesel-powered fleet, currently limited to torpedo and mine launches, lacks the modern capabilities this purported submarine would offer.
North Korea reportedly intensified aggressive rhetoric against the U.S. ahead of joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea this week. Despite previous attempts at diplomatic negotiations, North Korean leadership remains resolute in its military ambitions.
Sources
- North Korea building nuclear-powered submarine with missile capability — and Russia may have helped
- North Korea unveils nuclear-powered submarine for the first time
- North Korea Constructs Its First Ever Nuclear-Powered Submarine
