North Korea has released new images of what it claims is its first nuclear-powered submarine, a gigantic vessel comparable in size to some of the United States Navy’s attack submarines.
Images released by state media on Thursday (25) show the guided missile submarine inspecting a closed construction facility, indicating that it has not yet been launched.
Building a nuclear-powered submarine is a long-standing goal of Kim Jong-un, who first discussed it at a ruling party congress in 2021.
However, the fact that its rival, , recently received approval from the Trump administration to develop its own nuclear-powered submarines appears to have added urgency to Kim’s plans.
Fast, silent and submerged for long periods
This type of vessel offers many advantages. They can remain submerged for long periods – and even for years, if they have enough supplies for the crew – while most conventional submarines need to surface to capture air and run the diesel engines, which in turn charge the batteries to operate at depth.
They are also often faster than conventional submarines and, in many cases, quieter. Currently, only the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom and India have this technology.
The images released show that substantial progress has been made on the submarine, whose existence was first announced in March.
State media said the vessel had a displacement of 8,700 tons, making it equivalent to most nuclear-powered Virginia-class attack submarines in the U.S. fleet.
Earlier, Kim reemphasized the importance of the ships to Pyongyang’s defense policy, which he said is “literally… based on greater offensive power,” according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
“We regard super-powerful offensive capability as the best shield for national security in the development of the military,” Kim said, according to KCNA news agency.
