North Korea marked a significant leap in its naval capabilities by launching its inaugural "tactical nuclear attack submarine," signaling a potential shift in the maritime power dynamics of Northeast Asia. This development was officially unveiled on September 8, 2023, through the North Korean state media outlet, KCNA.
Photos from the event, broadcasted by KCNA, portrayed a momentous ceremony held at Pongdae Dockyard on September 6. The sequence captured North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, along with senior military and political officials, commemorating the launch of Submarine No. 841. The submarine, christened 'Hero Kim Kun Ok'—a tribute to a revered figure in North Korean history, represents Pyongyang's latest strategic asset.
Addressing the assembly, Kim Jong Un emphasized the pressing need to bolster the navy with nuclear capabilities. He further indicated plans to augment the naval fleet with an array of surface and underwater vessels equipped with tactical nuclear weaponry.
However, specifics regarding the submarine's arsenal remain uncertain. Over the past few years, North Korea has been active in testing submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and submarine-fired cruise missiles, indicating the potential range of weaponry this new submarine might house.
The submarine's deployment has been earmarked for the maritime zone between the Korean peninsula and Japan.
South Korea Japan and U.S. joint exercises
South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. have carried out a joint missile-defense exercise south of the Korean Peninsula in response to North Korea's increasing threats. During the exercise, they simulated tracking a North Korean missile launch and shared relevant data in real-time. The exercise showcased three Aegis destroyers, one from each nation, and tested an information exchange system set to be implemented by year's end. The collaboration aims to bolster defenses against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
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