North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un inspected the country’s nuclear-powered submarine, claimed to be 8,700 ton, as he called Seoul’s nuclear-powered submarine development plan “an offensive act”
KCNA
North Korea has released a new set of official images showing what it claims is its first nuclear-powered submarine, offering a rare glimpse into one of the country’s most ambitious military projects. The photographs, published by state media, show leader Kim Jong Un inspecting a large submarine inside an indoor construction facility, suggesting the vessel has not yet been launched, as reported by CNN.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, the submarine is a guided missile platform with a reported displacement of around 8,700 tons. If accurate, that would place it in the same general size category as some nuclear-powered attack submarines operated by the United States Navy, including the Virginia-class. Analysts caution, however, that displacement figures and propulsion details cannot be independently verified from the images alone.
North Korea first publicly acknowledged the existence of this submarine project in March, but the newly released images indicate significant progress since then. The vessel appears largely complete externally, with a clearly defined hull and sail section. Its presence inside a covered facility points to ongoing construction or fitting work, rather than an operational deployment.
Developing a nuclear-powered submarine has long been part of Pyongyang’s strategic ambitions. Kim outlined the goal during a ruling party congress in 2021, framing it as a key element in strengthening the country’s deterrent capabilities. In Thursday’s report, Kim emphasized that North Korea’s military doctrine relies on what he described as strong offensive power to ensure national security.
The announcement also carried a regional message. State media referenced South Korea’s interest in pursuing nuclear-powered submarines with backing from the United States, portraying those efforts as a security threat that justified North Korea’s own program. This framing aligns with Pyongyang’s broader narrative of responding to what it sees as hostile military pressure from its neighbors and their allies.
One detail that drew attention beyond the submarine itself was Kim’s appearance alongside his daughter, believed to be Kim Ju Ae. She has accompanied him at several high-profile military events in recent years, fueling speculation among observers about her potential future role, though no official statements have addressed that topic.
Despite the bold claims, significant uncertainties remain. Building a nuclear-powered submarine requires advanced reactor technology, specialized materials, and extensive testing. Outside experts note that even if the hull is complete, integrating a reliable nuclear propulsion system and safely operating it at sea would represent a major technical leap for North Korea.
For now, the images function as both a signal of intent and a demonstration of progress. Whether the submarine ultimately becomes operational, and what capabilities it will truly possess, are questions that will likely remain unanswered until further evidence emerges.