North Korea Shows First Nuclear-Powered Submarine Images Today

 

North Korea has released new images of what it claims is its first nuclear-powered submarine — a large guided-missile vessel similar in size to US Navy attack submarines — as leader Kim Jong Un pushes ahead with a military buildup designed to boost Pyongyang’s offensive capabilities.

 

State media photographs showed Kim inspecting the submarine inside an indoor construction hall, suggesting the vessel has yet to enter service. Kim has been talking about acquiring nuclear-powered submarines since 2021, but analysts say South Korea’s recent approval from the Trump administration to develop its own nuclear-powered subs appears to have intensified North Korea’s efforts.

 

Nuclear-powered submarines are prized because they can remain submerged for months at a time and travel faster and more quietly than conventionally powered diesel-electric boats. Only six countries currently operate them: the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France and India.

 

According to North Korean state media, the submarine displaces around 8,700 tons — reportedly similar to the US Virginia-class attack submarines. Kim described the program as central to Pyongyang’s doctrine of maintaining the “strongest offensive power,” calling the capability a “shield” for national security. He also accused South Korea’s pursuit of nuclear-powered subs of threatening the North’s security.

 

But outside analysts say North Korea itself is driving instability through its weapons programs. Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said Pyongyang “has itself to blame for the arms race,” noting its rejection of diplomacy, nuclear threats against neighbors and massive military spending despite economic hardship at home.

 

The submarine program is part of a wider five-year military plan unveiled in 2021 that includes long-range ballistic missiles capable of striking the US mainland, hypersonic weapons and new naval warships. However, despite these developments, experts say North Korea’s navy still lags well behind South Korea’s technologically advanced fleet.

 

The images of the submarine mark a symbolic step forward — but questions remain over how close Pyongyang truly is to fielding a reliable nuclear-powered vessel.

 

Key Takeaways:

• North Korea released images of what it claims is its first nuclear-powered submarine as Kim Jong Un pushes an offensive military buildup.

• Kim says nuclear-powered subs are vital to national security, accusing South Korea’s similar ambitions of threatening the North.

• Analysts warn Pyongyang’s own weapons development is fueling instability, and North Korea’s navy still trails South Korea’s in capability.

 

SOURCE: CNN

 

 

 

Monkey see, monkey do. What did you expect???

 

If the big boys have 'em, why shouldn't NK?

 

NO NUKES ANYWHERE!

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

and more quietly than conventionally powered diesel-electric boats.

no, the diesel-electric is usually more quiet while submerged and on electric power, the problem is endurance and speed so they are not ideal on large bodies of water such as pacific or atlantic ocean