North Korea Nuclear Submarine Moves Forward as Kim Jong Un Shows New Progress

North Korea showed new progress on its nuclear submarine on Thursday. The event took place during leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to a shipyard at an undisclosed site. State photos showed a nearly complete hull of what the country calls an 8,700‑ton nuclear‑powered submarine. The visit came as Kim attacked South Korea’s plan to acquire similar technology.

According to AP and other major outlets, the submarine is part of a wider push by Kim to expand North Korea’s naval nuclear force. The North says the vessel will carry nuclear weapons and boost its ability to fire missiles from underwater. Pyongyang claims this step is needed due to what it calls rising threats from the United States and South Korea.

North Korea Nuclear Submarine Seen Near Completion

State media images showed Kim walking beside a large, burgundy‑coated submarine inside an assembly hall. Experts noted that the hull looked nearly finished. They said this suggests that key parts, such as the engine and reactor, may already be installed. One expert in Seoul told AP that the vessel could reach sea trials within months.

North Korea first revealed parts of this submarine in March. The new images now show most of the body, which signals a major jump in construction. According to Reuters, Kim said the project would strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent. He claimed South Korea’s push for its own nuclear‑powered sub was an “offensive act” backed by the United States.

The North has long wanted this type of vessel. Kim listed a nuclear‑powered submarine in 2021 as a top defence goal. He put it beside other major systems such as hypersonic missiles and spy satellites. Since then, North Korea has carried out steady tests to advance those programs.

Some analysts say North Korea’s new ties with Russia may be helping its progress. They point to the North sending troops and supplies to aid Russia’s war in Ukraine. In return, experts believe Pyongyang may be getting technical support. But analysts also say the reactor design may be mostly North Korean, with limited assistance from abroad.

What This Means for Regional Security

A nuclear submarine would allow North Korea to launch missiles with little warning. This raises risk levels for South Korea, Japan, and U.S. forces in the region. It also forces neighbours to invest more in tracking underwater threats. According to BBC reports, the United States and South Korea view this development as a direct challenge.

South Korea is now exploring its own nuclear‑powered sub program. Its president asked the United States for support during a summit in November. Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he was open to sharing technology, but details remain unclear. Any plan would require strict controls on nuclear fuel and reactor parts.

North Korea also tested a new long‑range anti‑air missile this week. The launch was supervised by Kim and fired toward the eastern sea. South Korea’s Defence Ministry did not comment. Tensions remain high as North Korea refuses to return to nuclear talks that collapsed in 2019.

This new progress on a North Korea nuclear submarine marks a sharp rise in regional risk. The coming months will show how fast the vessel moves toward launch. The strategic balance may shift once the submarine enters service.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the new North Korea nuclear submarine?

It is an 8,700‑ton nuclear‑powered submarine under construction in North Korea. State media says it will carry nuclear weapons. The vessel is now close to completion.

Q2: How soon could the submarine be tested?

Experts say the soonest tests could begin is within months. The nearly finished hull suggests major parts are already installed. Sea trials would mark a major step forward.

Q3: Why is the submarine important?

A nuclear sub is hard to detect underwater. It lets North Korea fire missiles with little warning. This raises the risk level for the region.

Q4: Did Russia help North Korea?

Experts say North Korea may have received some technical support. The two states have grown closer since the war in Ukraine. But most of the design may still be North Korean.

Q5: How is South Korea reacting?

South Korea is exploring its own nuclear‑powered submarine plan. It has asked the United States for help. Talks are still in early stages.

Trusted Sources: AP News, Reuters, BBC News