Pyongyang makes a surprising announcement with the construction of a new tactical nuclear attack submarine. According to the state news agency KCNA, this submarine was inaugurated during a ceremony presided over by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. This new initiative raises many questions about the operational capabilities of this submersible vessel.
With this inauguration, North Korea seeks to strengthen its naval strength and continue its progress in nuclear armament of the navy. The new submarine, named Hero Kim Kun Ok, is billed as one of North Korea’s main underwater offensive assets.
However, details regarding the missiles carried by this submarine remain unclear. It is possible that Pyongyang has developed long-range ballistic missiles as well as cruise missiles that can be launched from a submarine. As for the miniature nuclear warheads that can be installed on these missiles, it is not known whether they have been developed.
The construction of this tactical nuclear attack submarine is not a complete surprise, since analysts had spotted signs as early as 2016 indicating the construction of at least one new North Korean submarine. However, the official announcement of its inauguration highlights North Korea’s ambitions in the field of naval force and nuclear weapons.
This event also raises concerns at the international level. The international community is already concerned about North Korea’s nuclear program and the construction of this tactical nuclear attack submarine could be seen as an increase in military power on the part of Pyongyang.
In an already tense geopolitical context, the announcement of this new submarine once again highlights the need for strengthened international diplomacy to defuse tensions and guarantee global security.