North Korea has unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine, marking a significant development in the country’s naval capabilities. Pyongyang’s state media released images of leader Kim Jong-un inspecting the vessel, which has been described as a “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine.” While specific details remain scarce, the development signals North Korea’s persistent efforts to strengthen its military posture in response to perceived threats from the United States and its regional allies.

For years, North Korea has sought to incorporate nuclear-powered submarines into its fleet as part of its broader military strategy. The newly revealed vessel represents a step toward realizing that ambition. According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), North Korea already maintains a sizable submarine fleet, estimated to include between 70 and 90 vessels. However, military analysts suggest that most of these submarines are outdated, lacking modern operational capabilities or the ability to launch advanced missiles.

This latest addition to North Korea’s fleet, however, appears to be a significant upgrade. Moon Keun-sik, a South Korean submarine expert, has estimated that the vessel weighs between 6,000 and 7,000 tons and could carry approximately ten missiles. The use of the term “strategic guided missiles” in official descriptions strongly implies that the submarine is designed to carry nuclear-capable weapons, posing a new challenge to South Korea, the United States, and their regional partners.

This is not the first time North Korea has showcased a new submarine with nuclear capabilities. In 2023, the country claimed to have launched its first “tactical nuclear attack submarine,” identified as a Sinpo-C class vessel. That submarine was reportedly capable of launching up to ten nuclear missiles while........

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