North Korea showcased its latest technological advancement, a “tactical nuclear attack submarine,” during a ceremony presided over by leader Kim Jong Un. The submarine, christened the Hero Kim Kun Ok, is a pivotal addition to North Korea’s naval capabilities and reinforces its commitment to nuclear defense, as reported by state media KCNA.
Kim Jong Un used the ceremony to underscore the importance of fortifying the country’s naval forces and modernizing them for strategic purposes. He emphasized the urgency of arming the navy with nuclear capabilities to effectively fulfill its strategic duties.
This revelation comes after earlier reports in 2016 and 2019 hinted at North Korea’s ongoing work on submarines designed to carry missiles. The specific type of missiles that the new submarine will be equipped with remains undisclosed. However, North Korea has previously conducted tests involving submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
Analysts speculate that North Korea’s quest to miniaturize nuclear warheads for its missiles could be a central focus of its nuclear program moving forward.
While North Korea already possesses a substantial submarine fleet, the Hero Kim Kun Ok represents a significant leap in its naval capabilities. It is expected that this submarine will undergo missile tests in the near future, further bolstering North Korea’s military prowess.
