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North Korea Is Building A Nuclear-Powered Submarine, According To South Korea. Discover How This Initiative Could Change The Military Scenario And Security On The Korean Peninsula!
The recent move by North Korea towards building a nuclear-powered submarine is drawing the attention of the international community. Information from South Korean sources indicates that the neighboring country may have started construction on a new submarine that could potentially be equipped with nuclear propulsion, a development that would mark a significant leap in North Korea’s military capabilities.
These revelations came from a report by the Defense Intelligence Agency of South Korea, presented to lawmaker Kang Dae-sik of the People Power Party.
According to the document, “partial signals” have been detected indicating the commencement of submarine construction, although there is no confirmation yet that the vessel will indeed be nuclear-powered. The uncertainty reflects the early stage of construction, as highlighted in the report.
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The Strategic Context
Submarine construction, especially with nuclear propulsion, is not a new topic for North Korea. In September 2023, the country revealed the Hero Kim Kun Ok, a reconfigured Cold War-era submarine modified to carry submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
While this was a significant step, the submarine in question still uses diesel-electric propulsion, which limits its range and effectiveness in prolonged patrols.
Even so, this reconfiguration of the Romeo-class submarine has brought to light Pyongyang’s ambition to develop a second-strike nuclear deterrent capability.
The North Korean leadership, including leader Kim Jong Un, has previously expressed the desire to advance towards a nuclear-powered submarine. In January 2021, Kim stated that the project for such a submarine was in the “final review phase.”
However, despite the declared intentions, the actual capability of North Korea to build a nuclear submarine has always been questioned. Nuclear reactors for submarines are extremely complex, requiring sophisticated integration and technological advancements that the country has not publicly demonstrated thus far.
The Current Development
According to South Korean military sources, construction activities for the new submarine are concentrated in the Sinpo area, specifically at the Pongdae Submarine Shipyard located in the northeast of the country. See below.
Photo: Google Earth
The submarine, according to reports, would be larger than previous models launched by North Korea, reinforcing the hypothesis that it could be nuclear-powered. However, thus far, there is no concrete evidence that Pyongyang has developed a suitable nuclear reactor to equip the vessel.
Suspicions regarding the development of a nuclear submarine have gained momentum following Kim Jong Un’s visit to naval facilities in January 2024.
At the time, Kim was reported to have inspected a nuclear-powered submarine under construction, according to North Korean state media. However, no technical details or images of the submarine have been disclosed, fueling the mystery surrounding the project.
Furthermore, reports indicate that Kim gave detailed instructions on matters related to the nuclear submarine’s development, suggesting that the project is being treated as a strategic priority for the regime.
The Viability of A North Korean Nuclear Submarine
Even as a growing number of reports circulate regarding the development of a nuclear submarine, experts remain skeptical about the project’s viability.
Historically, the development of nuclear submarines has been one of the greatest challenges faced by countries seeking to expand their naval military capabilities.
Building and operating a nuclear reactor for submarines requires highly advanced technology and technical knowledge that few countries possess.
North Korea, while it has made notable progress in other military areas, such as the development of ballistic missiles, has yet to publicly demonstrate the capability to build a nuclear reactor for submarines.
However, there are speculations that the growing cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, intensified after North Korea’s support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, may have resulted in the transfer of nuclear and advanced missile technology to North Korea. This Russian assistance could, in theory, include technologies related to nuclear propulsion for submarines.
The Hero Kim Kun Ok Submarine And The ‘Frankensub’
Hero Kim Kun Ok (hull number 841).
KCNA
The Hero Kim Kun Ok, revealed in September 2023, is a clear example of North Korea’s efforts to modernize its submarine fleet.
The submarine has been modified to carry SLBMs, with a missile compartment added to the original Romeo-class structure. While these advancements are notable, the Hero Kim Kun Ok still faces significant limitations, such as its diesel-electric propulsion, which makes it noisy and easily detectable by enemy sonar systems.
This reconfigured submarine is often described as a “Frankensub” due to its hybrid appearance and the combination of old and modern technologies. While it represents an advance for North Korea’s submarine capabilities, the Hero Kim Kun Ok is far from an ideal solution for long-range nuclear deterrent patrols.
A nuclear-powered submarine, on the other hand, would offer a range of benefits, including virtually unlimited endurance and a reduced acoustic signature, making it harder to detect.
Additionally, it could carry a larger number of ballistic or cruise missiles, significantly enhancing North Korea’s offensive capability.
Will North Korea Succeed?
Hero Kim Kun Ok. The four front hatches are larger than the six rear ones, indicating a mix of missile payloads.
KCNA
It is still early to definitively state whether North Korea is truly developing a nuclear-powered submarine.
While there are many indications that the country is moving in that direction, the lack of concrete evidence, such as images or technical specifications, prevents a definitive conclusion.
What is clear is that Pyongyang is committed to strengthening its nuclear deterrent capability, whether through the development of larger, more modern submarines or by advancing its ballistic and cruise missile technology.
In the meantime, South Korea continues to closely monitor Northern movements, maintaining its own efforts to enhance its military capabilities.
The growing cooperation between South Korea and the United States, especially concerning joint nuclear exercise planning, demonstrates that the Korean Peninsula remains a critical focus of international tensions.
As new details emerge, the world will watch closely the next steps of North Korea in its pursuit of a nuclear submarine and the impact this will have on the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.
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