North Korea's New Submarine Bolsters its Nuclear Capabilities

SEOUL, South Korea: North Korea announced on Friday the development of a new submarine with nuclear attack capabilities, marking a significant step in its aspirations to build a nuclear-armed navy. The objective, according to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, is to counterbalance the military prowess of the U.S. and its Asian allies.

Named the "Hero Kim Kun Ok," the North's official Korean Central News Agency claimed that the vessel can launch tactical nuclear weapons underwater. Specifics about its missile capacity were not detailed. South Korean officials, however, expressed doubt about the operational readiness and functionality of the submarine as portrayed by North Korea.

Images and remarks from Kim Jong Un suggest this submarine may be the one he had inspected during its construction phase in 2019. Experts at that time believed it to be a conversion of an existing Romeo-class submarine. The newly unveiled submarine boasts at least 10 launch tubes, seemingly designed for missiles.

Ankit Panda, from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, commented on the submarine's technological origins, stating that while it uses 1950s Soviet technology, it still offers North Korea a strategic advantage by complicating U.S. and allied targeting efforts.

In recent times, North Korea has been actively testing a range of submarine-launched missiles, aiming to enhance its retaliatory capabilities after potential land-based nuclear strikes. Such maritime capabilities join North Korea's existing arsenal of solid-fuel land-launched weapons.

Yet, analysts argue that it would take considerable effort and resources for North Korea to develop a quiet, reliable fleet of attack submarines, especially considering the stringent sanctions they face.

Satellite imagery analyzed by The Associated Press pinpointed the submarine's location in the eastern port city of Sinpo, a hub for North Korean submarine development. The images corroborated details seen in state-released photographs.

During the submarine's recent launch ceremony, Kim emphasized the country's newly acquired naval strength, countering the U.S.'s advanced naval assets. He also expressed intent to advance their naval capabilities further, especially following the U.S.'s recent docking of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile submarine in South Korea.

South Korea's military, however, remains skeptical, suggesting that North Korea might be overstating the submarine's capabilities.

Kim's recent focus on enhancing the country's naval power could be indicative of potential military collaboration with Russia, especially since Russia has hinted at joint military exercises. Additionally, there are rumors about a prospective meeting between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss potential arms trades, with North Korea potentially supplying Russia while seeking advanced weaponry and economic assistance in return.