“Pyongyang unveils its first nuclear-powered submarine, signaling a bold step in its naval and nuclear ambitions.”

North Korea has recently released striking new images showing what it claims is its first nuclear-powered strategic submarine — a development that could dramatically shift the country’s naval and nuclear capabilities. Published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) late last week, the photos show a massive submarine hull under construction, accompanied by statements from Kim Jong Un, framing the vessel as a critical step in strengthening North Korea’s defense and deterrence. 

A Milestone for Pyongyang’s Military 
The submarine is described by North Korean media as an 8,700-ton “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine.” The images show the vessel inside a shipyard facility, its hull coated in anti-corrosion primer. According to the official narrative, this submarine is a game-changer for the Korean People’s Navy — one that could enhance the country’s ability to project power and secure a sea-based nuclear deterrent. 
Until now, North Korea’s submarine fleet has largely consisted of older, diesel-electric vessels derived from Soviet designs These submarines have limited endurance and stealth compared to nuclear-powered models. In contrast, a nuclear-powered submarine could remain submerged for longer periods and travel farther, providing a more survivable second-strike capability in the event of a nuclear conflict. Kim Jong Un’s inspection of the submarine was highly publicized. According to state media, he called the vessel “epoch-making,” signaling that it represents a significant leap for North Korea’s naval capabilities. At the same time, he criticized South Korea’s efforts to develop its own nuclear-powered submarines with U.S. support, framing them as a threat that justifies Pyongyang’s accelerated weapons programs.North Korea has long portrayed U.S.–South Korea military cooperation as provocative, using it as a rationale for advancing its own defense capabilities. The submarine reveal is the latest in a series of moves intended to demonstrate the country’s growing military sophistication. 

But How Realistic Are These Claims?
While the images are impressive, independent verification of the submarine’s true capabilities is limited. Analysts caution that the vessel may still be far from operational, with no public evidence confirming a functioning nuclear reactor or missile systems. For now, North Korea has mainly shown a large hull that resembles nuclear submarines from other countries in size, but with no clear proof that it can actually operate at sea. 
Construction appears to be ongoing, and sea trials could still be months — or even years — away. Given North Korea’s limited industrial base and history of overpromising on military projects, skepticism from experts is understandable. 

Strategic and Regional Implications 
If the submarine does become fully operational, it could have significant implications for regional security. A nuclear-powered submarine capable of launching submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) would make North Korea’s nuclear forces more survivable, since SLBMs are harder to detect and intercept than land-based missiles.This development could also accelerate naval competition in East Asia. South Korea has been working with the U.S. to develop its own nuclear-powered submarines, and North Korea has already signaled that it views these efforts as a security threat. The result could be an intensified arms race beneath the waves. 

Criticism and Skepticism 
Many analysts remain skeptical. North Korea has a history of exaggerating the capabilities of its military hardware. Earlier projects, like the so-called “Hero Kim Kun Ok” submarine, attempted to modify diesel submarines to carry ballistic missiles, but these vessels never reached the operational sophistication of nuclear-powered fleets in the U.S., Russia, or China. 
Some experts argue that the current submarine may be as much a propaganda project as a military one, designed to boost domestic prestige and send a message internationally. Yet even a prototype could pose risks if North Korea eventually equips it with a functioning nuclear reactor and missile systems. 

Context: A Surge in Weapons Development 
This submarine reveal is part of a broader uptick in North Korea’s weapons development. Reports indicate recent tests of long-range cruise missiles and anti-aircraft systems, alongside preparations for the upcoming Workers’ Party Congress, where military modernization will likely be a key focus. 
The images and statements serve a dual purpose: showcasing progress in defense capabilities while reinforcing the message that North Korea is serious about its military and nuclear ambitions. 

Conclusion 
North Korea’s unveiling of its first nuclear-powered submarine is a striking moment in its military narrative. Whether the vessel ever becomes fully operational remains uncertain, but the political and strategic message is clear: Pyongyang wants to be seen as keeping pace with other nuclear powers and asserting its position in a shifting security landscape. 

For the world, the images are a reminder of the evolving nature of nuclear deterrence and the complex challenges that North Korea’s ambitions pose to regional and global security. 

Source Maasmond Maritime.     Author: Aarif Lashari