North Korea has revealed that a nuclear submarine currently under construction will displace 8,700 tons and be capable of carrying what it described as strategic guided missiles.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Thursday that Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the party, conducted an on-site inspection of the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine construction project. North Korea first disclosed the submarine’s construction in March, when it released images showing only part of the hull. This time, photos of the entire hull were made public for the first time.
The newspaper, however, did not provide specific details on the current progress of the construction.
North Korea’s announcement that this submarine will carry strategic guided missiles indicates its offensive character, in contrast to South Korea’s planned nuclear submarines. It suggests the potential deployment of nuclear-capable missiles.
Kim said North Korea’s defense policy is fundamentally based on possessing the strongest possible offensive capabilities, describing the development of overwhelmingly powerful offensive systems as the ultimate safeguard for national security.
He further stated that a nuclear submarine development plan approved by Washington at Seoul’s request would further destabilize the Korean Peninsula, calling it an aggressive act that seriously infringes on North Korea’s national security and maritime sovereignty and warning that Pyongyang would respond to what it sees as a security threat.
With a displacement of 8,700 tons, the submarine would be larger than the Virginia-class submarine, the United States Navy’s primary attack submarine, which displaces about 7,800 tons.