North Korea’s Nuclear Submarine: A New Threat in the Escalating Arms Race

North Korea has recently unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine, marking a significant escalation in the arms race on the Korean Peninsula. This long-rumored vessel is now a reality, and its massive size suggests the capability to launch long-range nuclear missiles. With this new development, concerns are growing over how South Korea and other nations will respond.

A New Phase in North Korea’s Military Expansion

As more nations pursue nuclear weapons for strategic deterrence, North Korea has taken a bold step by constructing a nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed submarine. This move is likely to intensify regional tensions and push neighboring countries, particularly South Korea, to reconsider their military strategies. While North Korea’s submarine may still be years away from full operational capability, its mere existence has already reshaped security discussions in the region. South Korea, which has so far relied on conventional submarines, may now accelerate its plans to develop nuclear-powered vessels of its own.

North Korea’s Nuclear Submarine Program: A Historical Perspective

In 2019, there were discussions about North Korean nuclear disarmament when Kim Jong Un met then U.S. President Donald Trump. However, those talks led to no substantial results, and North Korea has since expanded its nuclear arsenal. The country has also demonstrated various delivery mechanisms for its nuclear weapons, including ballistic missile submarines and underwater drones.

North Korea’s journey into nuclear-armed submarines began with the Gorae-class in 2016, which was then the smallest ballistic missile submarine in the world. This experimental design was a step towards refining submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) capabilities. The development of missile submarines continued with modifications to older Soviet-era Romeo-class submarines, adapting them to carry both cruise and ballistic missiles.

Specifications and Capabilities of the New Submarine

The latest North Korean submarine represents a major leap forward in design and capability. Analysis of its recent unveiling suggests the following estimated specifications:

• Diameter: Approximately 12 meters (40 feet), comparable to strategic submarines of major world powers.

• Length: Likely between 100-130 meters (328-427 feet).

• Missile Armament: Expected to carry the latest versions of the Pukguksong SLBM family, potentially including the Pukguksong-6.

• Nuclear Reactor: A newly developed propulsion system, possibly with Russian assistance, which significantly extends the submarine’s operational range and endurance.

The Pukguksong-6 missile is believed to be around 13 meters long, similar in size to the U.S. Trident missiles. If these missiles achieve intercontinental range capabilities, they could pose a direct threat to American cities from North Korean waters.

Strategic Implications: The Nuclear Balance in Korea

One of the biggest concerns surrounding this new submarine is its impact on the balance of power in the region. While North Korea has historically relied on land-based nuclear missiles, a fully operational nuclear submarine would introduce a second-strike capability, making North Korea’s deterrent much more credible.

This development could push South Korea to reconsider its own nuclear stance. While South Korea currently operates advanced conventionally powered submarines, such as the KSS-III class, these vessels lack the endurance and strategic range of nuclear-powered submarines. With North Korea’s advancements, South Korea’s debate over acquiring nuclear weapons and nuclear submarines is gaining momentum.

The Role of Foreign Assistance

Although North Korea has been developing nuclear technology for decades, there is widespread speculation that Russia may have provided technological assistance for its submarine program. Possible areas of assistance include:

• Nuclear propulsion technology.

• Sonar and noise reduction techniques to enhance stealth capabilities.

• Missile guidance systems and launch platforms.

Despite this potential support, the North Korean submarine is likely to have limited stealth and outdated sensors compared to the advanced nuclear submarines operated by the United States, China, and Russia. However, its main role will be as a strategic deterrent, capable of launching nuclear strikes from concealed positions in the ocean.

A New Arms Race on the Horizon?

With North Korea’s nuclear submarine entering the equation, the arms race in Northeast Asia is set to intensify. South Korea, despite its technological edge in conventional submarines, may now feel pressure to develop its own nuclear-powered fleet. Additionally, discussions about South Korea acquiring nuclear weapons—once a fringe topic—are now gaining mainstream attention.

If South Korea moves forward with nuclear armament, it could set off a chain reaction, with Japan and other U.S. allies also reconsidering their non-nuclear stance. In this scenario, North Korea’s new submarine could be the catalyst for a much larger geopolitical shift.

North Korea’s unveiling of a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine is a significant step that will alter the security dynamics of the Korean Peninsula and beyond. While operational deployment may still be years away, the mere existence of this submarine has already reignited debates on nuclear policy and military preparedness in South Korea and among its allies. As tensions rise, the world watches closely to see how regional powers will respond to this new challenge.