September 8, 2023
3 mins read

New North Korean Submarine Raises Concerns over Regional Security

Calling it an “urgent task of the times” to arm the navy with nuclear weapons, Kim urged the swift transfer of “underwater and surface vessels equipped with tactical nuclear weapons” to the Navy…reports Asian Lite News

North Korea has launched a newly built “tactical nuclear attack submarine” capable of carrying out an underwater nuclear attack, with leader Kim Jong-un vowing to “further strengthen the state nuclear deterrence,” the North Korea’s state media said on Friday.

The launching ceremony for the submarine, held on Wednesday, was attended by the North Korean leader ahead of the country’s 75th founding anniversary, which falls on Saturday, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

“The submarine-launching ceremony heralded the beginning of a new chapter for bolstering up the naval force of the North Korea and made clearer the steadfast will of the WPK and the government of the North Korea to further strengthen the state nuclear deterrence both in quality and quantity and by leaps and bounds for regional and global peace and security,” the KCNA said, referring to the ruling Workers’ Party (WPK).

Named the “Hero Kim Kun Ok”, the tactical nuclear attack submarine No. 841 — the first of its kind — will “perform its combat mission as one of the core underwater offensive means of the naval force” of the North Korea, Yonhap news agency reported.

“The fact that the nuclear attack submarine, considered a symbol of invasion against our republic for decades, now symbolises our power that terrifies the shameless enemies and that it is a new attack submarine of our own style unseen by the world, is truly something welcomed by all our people,” Kim said during his speech, hinting that the latest move was aimed at countering US nuclear-powered submarines.

Calling it an “urgent task of the times” to arm the navy with nuclear weapons, Kim urged the swift transfer of “underwater and surface vessels equipped with tactical nuclear weapons” to the Navy.

He also announced the country’s plans to build more submarines, including a nuclear-powered submarine.

“Today’s launching ceremony will shoulder no less burden for our enemies than building a nuclear-powered submarine,” Kim said.

He then stressed that the rapid development of the naval force is the “top priority” for national defence, given the geopolitical situation, as well as “recent aggressive attempts by the enemies”.

Initial photos released by the KCNA suggest the latest submarine is equipped with 10 missile tubes that can likely fire submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), though the reclusive North Korea has not provided any details. 

A military source said the North Korea appears to have modified a Romeo-class submarine, which is not capable of carrying an SLBM launcher.

The submarine is also presumed to be capable of launching the “Haeil,” the North Korea’s first-ever nuclear-armed unmanned underwater vehicle unveiled last March.

The ceremony comes as North Korea has been bolstering its military cooperation with Russia and China in the wake of growing trilateral security cooperation among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo. It also comes amid reports that Kim may travel to Vladivostok, Russia, next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discuss a possible arms deal.

Seoul’s spy agency earlier said Russia had proposed conducting three-way naval exercises with North Korea and China in late July.

ALSO READ-North Korea warns US of Nuclear war

Previous Story

UN Peacekeeping Chief Calls for Stronger Support from Member States

Next Story

Nikki Haley Emerges as Strongest Republican Contender Against Biden in 2024

Latest from -Top News

Texas flash floods kill at least 24; Trump vows help

President calls tragedy ‘shocking’ as search for missing continues overnight At least 24 people have died in Kerr County, Texas, after catastrophic flooding swept through the region, prompting a large-scale rescue and

UK MPs Slam Pakistan Over Minority Abuses

Minority communities such as Shias, Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis continue to face harassment, violence, and intimidation. In many cases, law enforcement either turns a blind eye or enables the attacks through inaction…reports

Words Won’t Stop China, Quad Must Deliver

 If the Quad aims to counterbalance China’s growing influence, it must expand its focus beyond the maritime domain and address the continental dynamics of the Indo-Pacific…writes Imran Khurshid Despite early concerns that

India Stays Neutral on Dalai Lama Succession

As exiled Tibetan spiritual leader approaches his 90th birthday, he asserted on Wednesday that there will be the 15th reincarnation…reports Asian Lite News Responding to the Dalai Lama’s recent remarks, India on

USAID cut could kill 14 million more deaths

Human rights advocates and global health experts have expressed alarm at the speed and scale of the cuts…reports Asian Lite News A new study published in The Lancet has warned that ongoing
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Taiwan’s security critical to US: Envoy Hsiao

Hsiao said that whether Taiwan’s trade policy was consistent with

Cambodia celebrates National Day at Expo 2020

The Kingdom of Cambodia celebrated its Expo 2020 Dubai National