Breaking News: North Korea Unveils First Locally-Made Nuclear-Powered Submarine Posing Threats to US & Asia.

According to information from North Korea’s State News Agency on March 8, 2025, North Korea has developed a nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine for the first time. North Korea has officially unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine capable of launching Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs). This development was revealed during a visit by Kim Jong-un to North Korea’s major shipyards, where he inspected advancements in naval technology and the shipbuilding industry. 
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Kim Jong-un inspects North Korea's new shipyard, showcasing the first locally-made nuclear-powered submarine, a major advancement in the nation's naval capabilities. (Picture source: North Korea press agency)

Accompanied by senior officials, including Jo Chun Ryong, secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) Central Committee, and Admiral Kim Myong Sik, commander of the North Korean Navy, Kim emphasized the strategic importance of the new submarine. This submarine is expected to enhance North Korea’s nuclear deterrence, providing it with a powerful second-strike capability.

Military experts from South Korea suggest that the new nuclear-powered SLBM (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile) submarine is likely to be a 6,000-ton or 7,000-ton class vessel, capable of carrying around 10 ballistic missiles. According to Moon Keun-sik, a South Korean submarine expert from Seoul’s Hanyang University, the term "strategic guided missiles" used by North Korean officials indicates that these missiles would be nuclear-capable. This makes the submarine a crucial element of North Korea's growing nuclear arsenal, capable of delivering long-range, devastating retaliatory strikes even after a preemptive attack on land-based assets.

North Korea’s new nuclear-powered SLBM submarine marks a significant evolution in its naval forces, which have long relied on smaller, diesel-powered submarines. As of Military Balance 2024, the North Korean Navy boasts a fleet of 71 submarines, which include various models designed for different strategic and tactical roles. Notable among these are the SSB 1 8.24 Yongung (Gorae), a submarine involved in SLBM trials, and several others with specialized capabilities, such as cruise missile submarines (SSC) and attack submarines (SSK).

The North Korean fleet includes several key types of submarines designed for distinct operational needs. The SSB (Strategic Submersible Ballistic) class submarines, such as the Gorae-class, are specifically designed to carry and launch submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The Gorae-class, for instance, has been used in trials for North Korea's Pukguksong-1 SLBM. North Korea also operates SSK (attack submarines), like the Type-033 (Romeo-class), which are equipped with torpedo tubes for anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare. In addition, the country fields SSC (cruise missile submarines), which are equipped to launch cruise missiles, with some variations carrying 533mm torpedo tubes or 53-65E heavy-weight torpedoes. Lastly, North Korea also operates SSW (specialized or small submarines), such as the Yugo and Yeono-class, which are often used for specialized missions and can carry various types of torpedoes.

The addition of the nuclear-powered SLBM submarine will significantly enhance North Korea's ability to conduct strategic deterrence operations. Unlike diesel-electric submarines, nuclear-powered submarines can remain submerged for much longer periods, making them harder to detect and therefore improving their survivability in a potential conflict. The SLBM capability also gives North Korea a second-strike nuclear deterrent, ensuring the ability to launch a devastating retaliatory attack even if its land-based nuclear assets are destroyed in an initial strike.

The term SLBM (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile) refers to a missile launched from a submerged submarine. These missiles are essential for any nation aiming to maintain a credible nuclear deterrent, as they provide the ability to retaliate against adversaries from beneath the ocean’s surface. This ensures a secure second-strike capability, even if other nuclear assets are neutralized. North Korea’s Pukguksong-1 SLBM, tested from its Gorae-class submarine, is an example of the technology Pyongyang has developed. These SLBMs, capable of striking distant targets, give North Korea a powerful and mobile nuclear deterrent. The new nuclear-powered SLBM submarine will further enhance the effectiveness of North Korea’s deterrent force, increasing its operational range and survivability in a potential conflict.

Experts suggest that Russia may have played a significant role in helping North Korea advance towards developing nuclear-powered submarines. Moscow has long been a key supplier of military technology to North Korea, including missile systems and nuclear technology. The assistance of Russian-designed nuclear reactors and submarine systems is believed to have been instrumental in overcoming the technical challenges associated with creating a nuclear-powered submarine capable of launching SLBMs.

The introduction of a nuclear-powered SLBM submarine represents a pivotal development in North Korea's military strategy. It allows the country to expand its reach and resilience, providing a reliable and mobile platform for nuclear retaliation. This capability ensures North Korea can survive and strike back even in the highly contested waters of the Pacific. With SLBMs, the new submarine strengthens North Korea’s strategic deterrence, presenting new challenges for regional powers, especially the U.S. and South Korea, who must now account for this enhanced capability in their defense planning.

This move also signals North Korea's growing ambitions in undersea warfare, as the nation continues to modernize and expand its nuclear arsenal. The integration of SLBMs into a nuclear-powered submarine brings North Korea closer to parity with other nuclear powers possessing similar capabilities, further solidifying its position as a formidable military presence in the Pacific and beyond.

North Korea's unveiling of its nuclear-powered SLBM submarine is a significant step in its ongoing efforts to bolster its nuclear deterrence and strengthen its naval capabilities. With technological assistance from Russia and an expanding fleet of advanced submarines, this new vessel will play a crucial role in North Korea's ability to project power and maintain strategic stability in the region. As these developments continue, the potential for increased tensions in the Pacific region grows, with North Korea’s enhanced ability to deter and retaliate against adversaries through its nuclear-powered submarine and SLBM capabilities.