North Korea Showcases Apparent Progress on Nuclear‑Powered Submarine Project

North Korea has released new state media images claiming significant progress in the construction of its first nuclear‑powered submarine, a development that—if verified—could mark a major escalation in the country’s naval and nuclear capabilities. The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and growing military competition on the Korean Peninsula.

According to photographs and reports published by the state‑run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), leader Kim Jong Un visited a shipyard to inspect what the North describes as an 8,700‑ton‑class nuclear‑propelled submarine, a vessel he has repeatedly framed as essential to modernizing the country’s navy and strengthening its nuclear deterrent.

KCNA images show a largely completed hull, suggesting that the project has advanced beyond early conceptual stages, though independent experts caution that the true operational readiness of the submarine remains unclear. Analysts note that while the hull appears structurally complete, critical components—such as a functioning nuclear reactor, propulsion systems, and weapons integration—cannot be confirmed from photographs alone.

Kim Jong Un’s Strategic Messaging

During his inspection, Kim reportedly condemned South Korea’s U.S.-backed efforts to acquire similar nuclear‑powered submarine technology, calling those moves a “grave security threat” and an “offensive act” that North Korea must counter with its own advancements.

Kim has previously described the submarine project as an “epoch‑making” step in bolstering the North’s strategic capabilities. The vessel is expected to be armed with nuclear weapons, with state media referring to it as a “strategic guided missile submarine” or “strategic nuclear attack submarine”.

KCNA also released images showing Kim accompanied by senior officials and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who has increasingly appeared at high‑profile military events—fueling speculation about her future role in the regime’s leadership structure.

Regional and International Reactions

South Korean defense officials have not confirmed the extent of North Korea’s progress but emphasized that Seoul and its allies are closely monitoring the situation. Military analysts in South Korea and abroad warn that a nuclear‑powered submarine—if fully realized—would give Pyongyang the ability to deploy nuclear‑armed missiles far from its shores, complicating detection and interception efforts.

Moon Keun‑sik, a submarine expert at Hanyang University in Seoul, told AFP that the images suggest “many core components are already in place,” though he stressed that the timeline for full operational capability remains uncertain.

The United States and Japan have not yet issued formal statements on the latest claims, but both countries have previously condemned North Korea’s pursuit of advanced nuclear delivery systems as destabilizing and in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Additional Weapons Testing

KCNA also reported that Kim oversaw a missile test earlier in the week aimed at evaluating “strategic technology” for a new type of high‑altitude missile. Details remain limited, but the test underscores North Korea’s continued push to diversify and expand its weapons arsenal despite international sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

Uncertain but Concerning Milestone

While the true status of North Korea’s nuclear‑powered submarine remains unverified, the public display of a nearly complete hull signals Pyongyang’s intent to project confidence and technological advancement. If completed and deployed, such a vessel would represent a major shift in the region’s military balance and pose new challenges for U.S. and allied defense planners.

For now, analysts say the world should treat North Korea’s claims with caution—but not complacency.