North Korea has revealed that its nuclear submarine currently under construction has a displacement of 8,700 tons and is capable of carrying strategic guided missiles. Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party, characterized South Korea’s pursuit of nuclear submarines as an aggressive act and a security threat that demands a response.
On September 25, the party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that Kim personally inspected the construction of the nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine.
While North Korea first disclosed its nuclear submarine project in March, showing only part of the hull, this time, they unveiled the entire hull for the first time. They also revealed an 8,700-ton displacement, surpassing the U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class attack submarines at 7,800 tons.
The newspaper, however, did not provide specifics on the current stage of construction.
Rodong Sinmun described the vessel as a nuclear-powered strategic guided-missile submarine and confirmed that it can carry strategic guided missiles. These missiles are generally understood to be ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads, indicating that the submarine is designed for offensive operations, unlike South Korea’s planned nuclear submarines.
Kim stressed that the country’s defense policy is based on possessing the strongest offensive capabilities, saying that the development of overwhelming offensive power is regarded as the ultimate shield for national security.
He emphasized that strengthening the nuclear deterrent, which he described as the guarantor of national prestige, identity, and absolute security, is the sacred duty of the current generation.
Kim asserted that completion of the nuclear submarine would mark a pivotal change, reinforcing confidence in war deterrence capabilities among both North Korean forces and their adversaries. He also outlined strategic and tactical policies to continue the Navy’s nuclear armament program.
Noting that the world remains far from peaceful, Kim argued that current and future threats validate the country’s national security decisions as the most justifiable choices.
Kim stated that two new 5,000-ton destroyers and the nuclear submarine under construction this year will significantly boost the fleet’s combat effectiveness and help safeguard national strategic sovereignty. He also revealed plans to continue strengthening the Navy’s strategic components and gradually increase the pace and scale of surface and submarine vessel construction.
