North Korea Says It’s Building a Nuclear-Powered Submarine
New York Times1 day ago
North Korea Unveils First Nuclear-Powered Submarine
Above: Kim Jong Un at a strategic missile base at an undisclosed location in North Korea. Image copyright: Kim Jae-Hwan/Contributor/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Facts
North Korea has revealed its first nuclear-powered submarine under construction through state media photos released on Saturday, showing Kim Jong Un inspecting a vessel that experts estimate could carry approximately 10 missiles.
During his visits, Kim said that North Korea needs to make "the incomparably overwhelming warships fulfill their mission" to contain "the inveterate gunboat diplomacy of the hostile forces."
The submarine — estimated to be a 6K-7K-ton class vessel — is an advancement from North Korea's fleet of 70-90 aging diesel-powered submarines primarily capable of launching only torpedoes and mines.
The Spin
Pro-North Korea narrative
Maritime sovereignty represents the core of national rights for North Korea: a country bordered by seas on both sides. Developing an elite nuclear-armed naval force is essential for defending national sovereignty and ensuring economic development through secure fishing waters.
Anti-North Korea Narrative
The development of a nuclear-powered submarine by North Korea poses an unprecedented security threat to regional stability as well as US and South Korean interests, as such vessels can remain submerged for extended periods and launch missiles from undetectable positions.