South Korean military intelligence has intercepted reports suggesting that Russia has provided North Korea with nuclear reactors for submarine propulsion. Military and intelligence officials are rigorously investigating the veracity of these claims.
In the first half of this year, the South Korean government obtained intelligence indicating that Russia had supplied North Korea with two to three nuclear submarine modules. These modules, which incorporate small modular reactors (SMRs), are critical components of the propulsion systems used in nuclear submarines.
Nuclear-powered submarines, fueled by nuclear energy, are capable of launching submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) armed with nuclear warheads. Their extended submerged endurance compared to conventional diesel-powered submarines makes them significantly harder to detect, earning them the moniker game-changer in naval warfare.
North Korea has been aggressively pursuing nuclear submarine development as a key objective. This aligns with the five-year plan for national defense development outlined during the 8th Congress of the Workers’ Party in January 2021.
Pyongyang’s strategic goal is to deploy nuclear submarines capable of approaching the South Korean peninsula, thereby enhancing its nuclear strike capabilities. In a notable development this March, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was reported to have inspected the construction of a nuclear-powered strategic ballistic missile submarine, which is presumed to be a ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)-class vessel.
If confirmed, this intelligence could signal a dramatic acceleration in North Korea’s nuclear submarine program. With access to complete modules, North Korea could potentially reverse-engineer the technology, rapidly advancing its propulsion capabilities—an area where it currently lacks indigenous expertise.
The modules allegedly provided by Russia are likely sourced from decommissioned nuclear submarines.
A Pentagon spokesperson stated that they are closely monitoring the situation. Further noting that the recent military cooperation between Russia and North Korea raises concerns about potential advancements in North Korea’s nuclear submarine reactor technology.