North Korea Launches Tactical Nuclear Attack Submarine

North Korea recently unveiled its first operational "tactical nuclear attack submarine," Submarine No 841, named Hero Kim Kun Ok. This launch marks a significant development in Kim Jong Un's strategy to strengthen the country's military capabilities, particularly in the context of developing a nuclear-armed navy that can counter perceived threats from the United States and its Asian allies.

During a lavish ceremony attended by Kim Jong Un himself, Submarine No 841 was introduced. According to the Korean Central News Agency, this submarine is specifically designed for launching tactical nuclear weapons while submerged, signifying a new phase in North Korea's naval capabilities.

The exact missile-carrying capacity of this submarine remains undisclosed, but experts speculate that it may have the ability to launch up to 10 of North Korea's Pukgoksong-3 missiles from beneath the sea. However, there is still much ambiguity surrounding the specifics of this new addition to North Korea's navy.

Hero Kim Kun Ok is expected to be deployed in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, increasing North Korea's maritime presence in the region. Kim Jong Un affirmed North Korea's intentions to convert its existing submarines into nuclear-armed attack submarines and accelerate the development of nuclear-powered submarines.

The decision to focus on naval development stems from perceived aggressions by the United States and South Korea. In a speech Kim Jong Un stressed the importance of the development of North Korea's naval forces and underscored the need to push forward with the nuclear weaponisation of the navy.

Despite the celebratory mood surrounding the submarine launch, some experts harbour doubts about the vessel's capabilities. Others argue that it underscores the diversion of resources from the welfare of North Korea's citizens to support Kim's military ambitions. UN human rights chief Volker Turk recently reported that Pyongyang was allocating resources to bolster its military at the expense of the well-being of its citizens, resulting in hunger and hardship.

North Korea's introduction of Submarine No 841 follows a series of weapons tests, including a claimed "new type" of submarine-launched ballistic missile, in defiance of UN sanctions. Although North Korea possesses a substantial submarine fleet, only the experimental ballistic missile submarine 8.24 Yongung is known to have successfully launched a missile.

In light of these developments, a high-level Chinese delegation is scheduled to arrive in North Korea to commemorate the country's 75th anniversary. Additionally, reports suggest that Kim Jong Un will soon travel to Russia for talks with Vladimir Putin, with talks involving North Korean weapons supply and advanced technologies, potentially including nuclear-powered submarines.

As North Korea continues to advance its submarine capabilities, many have raised concerns about stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The presence of such a vessel has already escalated tensions on the Korean Peninsula and will likely increase the need for South Korea to bolster its own deterrence and defence capabilities. This development may prompt South Korea to further enhance its military preparedness and strengthen its alliances with the United States and regional partners to maintain stability in the region. The international community is expected to closely monitor these developments due to their significant implications for global security.