North Korea Reveals New Weapon Raising Major Questions

North Korea has unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine capable of launching strategic missiles, escalating tensions with the United States and its allies while raising serious questions about how the isolated nation acquired such advanced technology.

Top Takeaways

North Korea claims to have built a nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying approximately 10 nuclear-capable missiles
The submarine could be ready for test runs within two years and represents a significant threat due to its stealth capabilities
Experts suspect Russian assistance in providing technology to North Korea in exchange for military support
The submarine development is part of Kim Jong Un’s broader 2021 pledge to develop advanced weaponry
North Korea has increased anti-US rhetoric ahead of joint US-South Korea military exercises

North Korea’s Nuclear Submarine Announcement

North Korean state media has released images of what it describes as a “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine” during Kim Jong Un’s tours of key shipyards. The submarine, estimated to be in the 6,000-ton to 7,000-ton class, represents a significant advancement in North Korea’s naval capabilities and poses a direct challenge to US and South Korean security interests in the region. This new vessel reportedly has the capacity to carry approximately 10 missiles, which experts believe are likely nuclear-capable.

While viewing the submarine, Kim Jong Un emphasized the necessity for North Korea to develop powerful warships to counter what he perceives as threats from hostile forces. The dictator specifically mentioned the need to counteract what he called “the inveterate gunboat diplomacy of the hostile forces.”

Strategic and Security Implications

The development of a nuclear-powered submarine significantly enhances North Korea’s strategic military capabilities. Unlike conventional diesel-powered submarines, nuclear submarines can remain submerged for extended periods and travel greater distances without refueling. This increased range and stealth capability makes them particularly concerning to regional security experts. Moon Keun-sik of Hanyang University weighed in, saying, “It would be absolutely threatening to us and the US.”

The U.S. National Security Council has responded cautiously to North Korea’s claims. Spokesman Brian Hughes stated, “We’re aware of these claims and do not have additional information to provide at this time.” He reaffirmed that “The U.S. is committed to the complete denuclearization of North Korea.” Despite this measured response, security analysts note that a nuclear-powered submarine with missile capabilities would significantly complicate military planning in the region due to its potential stealth and extended range.

Questions About Technical Capabilities and Foreign Assistance

North Korea’s ability to independently develop such advanced technology has raised significant doubts among experts. The country remains under heavy international sanctions that severely restrict its access to necessary materials and components for nuclear-powered vessels. This has led to widespread speculation about possible Russian assistance, particularly given the growing military cooperation between the two nations. Some analysts believe Russia may have provided critical technology to North Korea in exchange for military support.

North Korea's nuclear-powered submarine may have relied on Russian assistance: expertshttps://t.co/VML7TKSNHc

— The Korea Times (@koreatimescokr) March 10, 2025

This latest submarine development follows North Korea’s previous claim in 2023 of launching a “tactical nuclear attack submarine,” which many experts dismissed as merely a modified conventional submarine with limited capabilities. Before these developments, North Korea had conducted underwater-launched ballistic missile tests since 2016, though these were performed from test platforms rather than operational submarines. The country currently maintains a large fleet of aging diesel-powered submarines, most capable only of launching torpedoes and mines.

Part of a Broader Military Buildup

The nuclear-powered submarine forms part of Kim Jong Un’s 2021 pledge to develop advanced weaponry, including solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons. This announcement comes amid increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea ramping up anti-US rhetoric ahead of joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. The timing suggests a deliberate strategy to project strength and counter what North Korea perceives as American aggression in the region.

According to military analysts, the submarine could potentially be launched on a test run within a year or two before its operational deployment. This timeline would align with North Korea’s accelerated weapons development program, which has seen numerous advancements despite international sanctions and diplomatic isolation. If successfully deployed, this submarine would represent one of the most significant enhancements to North Korea’s military capabilities in decades and could potentially alter the strategic balance in Northeast Asia.