SEOUL: North Korea on Friday successfully launched a “tactical nuclear attack submarine,” as reported by state media.
However, the South Korean military expressed doubts about the vessel’s operational status.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over the unveiling ceremony on Wednesday, stating that the sub was part of a “push forward with the nuclear weaponization of the Navy,” according to state news agency KCNA.
State media images show Kim, dressed in a light suit and sun hat, addressing white-uniformed sailors beside the submarine, which bore the North Korean flag on its bow.
KCNA said that the launch of submarine No. 841, named the Hero Kim Kun Ok, marked the start of a new phase in strengthening North Korea’s naval force.
Kim referred to the submarine as “one of the core underwater offensive means of the naval force of the DPRK.”
North Korea to Convert Submarines into Attack Vessels
Kim announced that North Korea would convert its existing submarines into attack vessels equipped with nuclear weapons.
However, the South Korean military expressed skepticism about Pyongyang’s claims, stating, “Our initial assessment is that it does not appear to be operational,” to AFP.
North Korea has conducted a record number of weapons tests this year, including a recent failed attempt to launch a spy satellite into orbit.
In response, Seoul and Washington have increased defense cooperation, conducting joint military exercises with advanced stealth jets and US strategic assets, as well as holding naval drills with Japan.
According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, a US-based think tank, North Korea is believed to possess between 64 and 86 submarines, making it one of the world’s largest submarine fleets. – AFP
