North Korea Unveils Submarine Capable of Launching Nuclear Weapons, Experts Express Doubts
September 8, 2023
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unveils the country's first nuclear-capable submarine, strengthening its nuclear deterrent. Skepticism remains regarding its effectiveness.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has taken part in a ceremony to reveal what Pyongyang says is its first submarine capable of launching nuclear weapons.
State media said the sub strengthened the country’s nuclear deterrent by “leaps and bounds”.
It has been named Hero Kim Kun Ok after a North Korean naval officer and historical figure.
A submarine capable of firing nuclear weapons has long been on the list of weapons North Korea wants to build.
In photographs released by state media, Kim is seen standing in a shipyard, surrounded by naval officers, and overshadowed by an enormous black submarine.
He is quoted as saying that the sub will be one of the navy’s main means of “underwater offensive”.
“The nuclear attack submarine, which has been a symbol of aggression against our nation for the past few decades, now symbolises our threatening power that strikes fear into our unscrupulous enemies,” he said.
But there is some skepticism about how effective it will be.
