For the first time, North Korea has unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine that is currently under construction, The Associated Press reports. Images released by state-controlled media showed what they described as “a nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine.” The report also included details about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s visits to important shipyards where the country’s naval vessels are being produced.
Though the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did not provide specific details about the submarine, it confirmed that Kim had received updates on its progress.
A spokesperson for the US National Security Council, Brian Hughes, commented on the report, saying, “We’re aware of these claims and do not have additional information to provide at this time.” He further added, “The US is committed to the complete denuclearization of North Korea.”
This announcement follows an increase in North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric in 2024, with numerous missile launches taking place. In early November, the country fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea, just days after testing an intercontinental ballistic missile, which sparked condemnation from South Korea, the United States, and Japan.
Earlier in September, North Korea also launched a series of short-range ballistic missiles. In January, Kim called for a significant boost in the nation’s nuclear capabilities. Just last week, the North Korean leader personally supervised the test-launch of a strategic cruise missile and ordered that the country be fully prepared for nuclear strikes.
Kim had previously announced in 2021 that building a nuclear-powered submarine was a central goal for his military, citing what he referred to as growing US-led military threats.
The nuclear-powered submarine would enable North Korea to launch missiles from beneath the surface, making it much harder for adversaries to detect and counter the attacks.
Kim has continued to take a combative approach toward the United States and South Korea, despite efforts by former President Donald Trump to engage in diplomacy. Trump held historic summits with Kim during his first term and has recently expressed intentions to “reach out to him again.”
During Trump’s presidency (2017–2021), he met with Kim three times—in Singapore, Hanoi, and at the Korean border. Despite these groundbreaking meetings, the diplomatic efforts failed to produce any significant results.

{Matzav.com}

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