One sentence summary – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled a new submarine believed to be capable of carrying nuclear weapons, marking a significant advancement in the country’s nuclear weapons program and a crucial addition to its arsenal, although the operational status and successful launch of nuclear-capable missiles from the submarine remain uncertain.
At a glance
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unveils a new submarine capable of carrying nuclear weapons
- The submarine is showcased at the Sinpho shipyard
- This development is seen as a significant advancement in North Korea’s nuclear weapons program
- The submarine is considered a crucial addition to North Korea’s arsenal
- Operational status and successful launch of nuclear-capable missiles from the submarine remain uncertain
The details
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently unveiled a new submarine believed to be capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
The submarine was showcased at the Sinpho shipyard.
This development is seen as a significant advancement in North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.
Crucial Addition to North Korea’s Arsenal
It is also considered a crucial addition to the country’s arsenal.
However, the operational status and the successful launch of nuclear-capable missiles from the submarine remain uncertain.
Photographs from the ceremony show Kim Jong Un surrounded by naval officers alongside the large black submarine.
North Korea asserts that the submarine enhances its nuclear deterrent.
The country also claims it provides an elusive platform for potential underwater strikes against adversaries.
Submarines, being difficult to detect underwater, could enable Pyongyang to launch attacks from the sea without prior detection.
The submarine is named the Hero Kim Kun Ok after a North Korean naval leader.
This naval leader allegedly sunk the USS Baltimore in 1950.
The submarine appears to be an upscale version of the vessel Kim inspected during its construction in July 2019.
It boasts two different sizes of launch hatches.
This suggests the capability to launch various types or sizes of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
North Korea claims to have launched a new “tactical nuclear attack submarine.”
However, this claim has not yet been independently verified.
South Korea’s military, which has been monitoring North Korea’s submarine activity, detected the launch ceremony.
However, they have expressed doubts about the submarine’s normal operational capabilities.
First Operational Ballistic Missile Submarine
If the submarine is successfully deployed, it would mark North Korea’s first operational ballistic missile submarine.
North Korea has previously tested submarine-launched ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.
By expanding its arsenal to include submarine-launched ballistic missiles, North Korea aims to extend its nuclear weapons reach.
This would also enable the country to make preemptive or retaliatory strikes even after a potential land-based nuclear attack.
The United States recently deployed a nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea amidst rising tensions.
This move has further exacerbated the already strained relationship between the two countries.
North Korea has been increasing its weapons tests, including firing intercontinental ballistic missiles.
However, it faced a setback with the failed launch of a spy satellite by its space agency.
Kim Jong Un emphasized the rapid development of naval forces.
He cited recent aggressive moves and military acts by enemies.
North Korea plans to convert existing medium-sized submarines into offensive vessels loaded with tactical nuclear weapons.
They also aim to extend this capability to their existing fleet of submarines.
Additionally, North Korea plans to construct more nuclear-powered vessels in the future.
Building a fleet capable of silent and reliable attacks at sea is expected to require significant time and resources due to its complexity.
Reports suggest that Kim may visit Russia for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
This visit could potentially be to seek economic aid and advanced weapons technologies in exchange for artillery shells and ammunition.
While this information includes various sources and perspectives, the exact operational status and capabilities of the submarine remain uncertain.
As the situation continues to develop, further verification and analysis will be necessary to fully understand the impact of this new addition to North Korea’s military capabilities.
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A submarine emerging from the water, with a flag bearing the emblem of North Korea.
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| bbc.co.uk |
|---|
| – Kim Jong Un reveals new submarine capable of carrying nuclear weapons – North Korea claims the submarine strengthens its nuclear deterrent – A nuclear-attack submarine has been a desired weapon for North Korea – Photographs show Kim Jong Un in a shipyard surrounded by naval officers and the large black submarine – |
| The submarine is considered a crucial part of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program – Submarines are difficult to detect underwater, potentially allowing Pyongyang to strike enemies from the sea – It is unclear if the submarine is operational or if it can successfully launch nuclear-capable missiles |
| washingtonpost.com |
|---|
| – North Korea claims to have launched a new “tactical nuclear attack submarine” in a ceremony at the Sinpho shipyard. |
| – Leader Kim Jong Un stated that the submarine is capable of both preemptive and retaliatory strikes. – North Korea plans to convert existing medium-sized submarines into offensive ones loaded with tactical nuclear weapons. – |
| The claim has not been verified, and North Korea has a history of boasting about achievements it has not yet attained. – |
| The South Korean military has been tracking North Korea’s submarine activity and detected the launch ceremony. |
| – |
| The new submarine appears to have been upscaled to carry missiles but may not be capable of proper operation. – |
| The submarine unveiled on Friday is believed to be the one Kim inspected in July 2019 during construction. – |
| The submarine has two distinct sizes of launch hatches, indicating the potential to launch different types or sizes of SLBMs. |
| – This would be North Korea’s first non-test platform ballistic missile submarine if sea trials are successful. |
| – The submarine was named the Hero Kim Kun |
| Ok after a North Korean naval leader who allegedly sank the USS Baltimore in 1950. |
| – North Korea has increased its weapons tests, including firing intercontinental ballistic missiles. – |
| The country’s space agency recently attempted to launch a spy satellite, but it failed. – |
| The United States deployed a nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea in July, causing tensions with North Korea. |
| – North Korea has conducted test-launches of ballistic and cruise missiles from submarines. – Submarine-launched ballistic missiles could extend North Korea’s nuclear weapons reach and be harder to detect in advance. |
| – North Korea is estimated to have 64 to 86 submarines, but some may not be operational due to age. |
| news.sky.com |
|---|
| – North Korea claims to have launched a nuclear attack submarine after years of development. |
| – South Korea’s military has stated that the submarine does not appear to operate normally. – Kim Jong Un attended a ceremony to christen the vessel and sees it as a critical milestone in building a navy to counter the US and South Korea. – |
| The submarine is designed to launch nuclear weapons from underwater, but it is unclear how many missiles it can carry and fire. |
| – |
| This capability would enhance North Korea’s deterrent as it could retaliate even after a nuclear attack on land. – North Korea plans to extend this capability to its existing fleet of submarines and build more nuclear-powered vessels in the future. |
| – Kim emphasized the importance of rapidly developing naval forces due to recent aggressive moves and military acts by enemies. – |
| The new submarine is named Hero Kim Kun Ok in honor of a historical North Korean figure. |
| – Signs of the submarine being built were first spotted in 2016. – |
| The US recently docked a nuclear-capable missile submarine in South Korean waters for the first time since the 1980s. – North Korea has test-fired submarine-launched ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. |
| – Building a fleet capable of quiet travel at sea and reliable attacks would require significant time and resources for North Korea. |
| – Reports suggest that Kim may visit Russia for a meeting with Vladimir Putin. – North Korea could potentially provide artillery shells and ammunition in exchange for economic aid and advanced weapons technologies. – South Korea has condemned the launch, accusing Kim of harming the lives and human rights of his citizens. |
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