North Korea’s New Submarine: Shifting Dynamics in Regional Security?

North Korea’s announcement of a new nuclear-powered submarine raises alarm across the Korean Peninsula and beyond, as experts assess its potential impact on regional security.

Quick Takes

North Korea’s nuclear submarine may carry nuclear missiles, posing a threat to regional stability.
Photos show the vessel, described as a “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine.”
Speculation arises over Russian assistance in North Korea’s submarine development.
The submarine aligns with Kim Jong Un’s military deterrence plans against US threats.
Concerns persist over the enhanced difficulty of detecting nuclear-powered submarines.

North Korea’s Nuclear Submarine Unveiled

North Korean state media released images of its newly constructed nuclear-powered submarine during leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to key shipyards. Analysts, including Moon Keun-sik from Hanyang University, emphasize the potential capability of the submarine to launch nuclear-armed missiles, which challenges existing military calculations in the region.

The submarine, estimated to be a 6,000-ton or 7,000-ton class, is expected to carry nearly a dozen nuclear-capable missiles. Experts predict its trial launch could occur within the next couple of years. This development is part of Kim Jong Un’s strategy to strengthen military deterrence in response to perceived US hostility.

The Role of External Assistance

Doubts linger over North Korea’s ability to independently build and operate sophisticated military technology. Analysts suspect Russian involvement in providing technological assistance, potentially in exchange for military support in the war with Ukraine.

North Korea's nuclear-powered submarine may have relied on Russian assistance: expertshttps://t.co/VML7TKSNHc

— The Korea Times (@koreatimescokr) March 10, 2025

The acquisition of resources to develop nuclear-powered submarines by a country under heavy sanctions raises international concerns.

Strategic Implications

North Korea’s pursuit of advanced military capabilities aligns with Kim Jong Un’s 2021 pledge to develop sophisticated weaponry, including solid-fueled ICBMs and hypersonic missiles. These developments could significantly alter strategic balances, complicating defense strategies for the US and South Korea.

Amidst heightened rhetoric against the US, North Korea vows to fortify its military capabilities ahead of joint US-South Korea drills. Past diplomatic efforts between the US and North Korea have stalled, with recent tensions reportedly rising. As a result, the potential deployment of North Korea’s nuclear submarine could further strain geopolitical stability in the region.