Days ago, North Korea officially confirmed the progress achieved in the construction of a new strategic nuclear-powered submarine with an approximate displacement of 8,700 tons, designed for the launch of ballistic missiles, in what Pyongyang presents as a decisive step in the modernization of the Korean People’s Navy. The announcement was accompanied by the release of a series of images showing a large submarine under construction featuring a notably elongated sail, suggesting the integration of vertical missile launch tubes, in addition to conventional armament consisting of various types of torpedoes.
The information was disclosed through North Korean state media, which reported that Kim Jong-un personally visited the shipyard where the project is being developed, supervising the progress of the so-called “strategic nuclear attack submarine” construction program. According to the official statement, the North Korean leader was accompanied by senior officials from the naval industry sector, defense scientific research institutions, and military production bodies, receiving detailed briefings on the progress of the works.
According to the communiqué, Kim Jong-un emphasized that the nuclear submarine constitutes a central component of national defense policy, defining it as a key tool to consolidate the country’s nuclear capabilities. In this regard, he stated that the development of this type of platform will strengthen strategic deterrence, ensuring—according to his view—the security of the state against external threats and significantly enhancing the strike capability of the North Korean navy.
The released images show a design that has drawn the attention of international analysts. The elongated sail of the submarine suggests the presence of at least six launch tubes for ballistic or cruise missiles, possibly in a configuration similar to that seen on strategic submarines operated by other powers. Likewise, indications can be seen of what could be a flank sonar, in addition to at least six torpedo tubes, pointing to a combination of strategic and conventional attack capabilities.
It has not yet been specified what type of ballistic missiles (SLBMs) the new unit will carry, nor what their effective range will be. However, various assessments suggest that the armament could correspond to a variant of the Pukguksong family, with the Pukguksong-5 emerging as one of the most likely candidates. The latter represents the most recent version of SLBMs developed by North Korea and was publicly unveiled during tests conducted in 2021, with an estimated range of several thousand kilometers.
The announcement also comes amid growing speculation regarding possible technical support from Russia to the North Korean naval program. According to reports in South Korean media, various intelligence sources and analysts suggest that Moscow has provided some level of assistance, whether in nuclear propulsion, structural design, or associated systems, within the framework of strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. However, to date there have been no official confirmations conclusively supporting this hypothesis.
Beyond the official rhetoric, the development of a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine represents a considerable technical challenge for North Korea, particularly with regard to reactor miniaturization, operational safety, and the effective integration of strategic weaponry. Nevertheless, if realized, the incorporation of this platform would mark a substantial shift in the regional naval balance, providing Pyongyang with a capability that is far more difficult to neutralize.
You may also like: North Korea’s Air Force Su-25 attack aircraft are being equipped with new cruise missiles, air-to-air missiles, and anti-tank missiles
