[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] The Possibility of North Korea Developing Nuclear Submarines

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, hinted at the development of a nuclear-powered submarine and hypersonic weapons. The nuclear-powered submarine aims to improve the accuracy of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, while the hypersonic weapons appear intended to neutralize U.S. air defense systems.

On the 9th, the Korean Central News Agency reported in a summary of the 8th Party Congress business report that "tasks were set to possess nuclear submarines and underwater-launched nuclear strategic weapons, which hold significant importance in enhancing nuclear long-range strike capabilities."

Specifically, it explained, "The standards for the modernization of armaments on medium-sized submarines have been accurately set and pilot modifications have been made, opening a firm prospect to significantly enhance the Navy's current underwater operational capabilities. New nuclear submarine design research has been completed and is in the final review stage."

North Korea succeeded in an underwater launch test of the Pukguksong-3 missile from a barge in October 2019 and is believed to have nearly completed the construction of a new 3,000-ton class submarine recently. Our military assesses that this submarine can carry three SLBMs. The remaining step is to launch SLBMs directly from the newly launched submarine for testing.

The nuclear submarine mentioned this time appears to refer to a "nuclear-powered submarine" using a nuclear-based engine rather than the existing diesel type. Nuclear-powered submarines can operate with minimal exposure due to their long submerged endurance.

Considering the declaration to possess underwater-launched nuclear strategic weapons alongside the nuclear-powered submarine, there is a possibility that this refers to a strategic nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN, Ship Submarine Ballistic missile Nuclear) equipped with SLBMs based on uranium-powered nuclear propulsion.

Chairman Kim also ordered to improve the accuracy of ICBMs to enhance "nuclear preemptive and retaliatory strike capabilities."

The report stated, "A goal was set to further improve the accuracy to precisely strike and annihilate any strategic targets within a 15,000 km range, thereby enhancing nuclear preemptive and retaliatory strike capabilities." An ICBM with a 15,000 km range covers most of the U.S. mainland. It also mentioned, "Research projects to further complete multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) technology are in the final stages." This likely refers to the MIRV missiles targeted by the new 'Hwasong' series ICBMs first revealed at the military parade in October last year.

However, the mention of the "final stage" suggests it is still incomplete. Although the new ICBM displayed at the parade appeared capable of carrying multiple warheads, there were many cautious opinions regarding the completion of MIRV technology.

North Korea also mentioned "tasks to develop and introduce hypersonic glide warheads within a short period," revealing for the first time its intention to introduce "hypersonic weapons." In particular, it stated, "Preparations are underway to complete research and development of various combat mission warheads, including hypersonic glide warheads to be applied to new ballistic rockets, and to begin test production."

Hypersonic weapons, traveling at a minimum speed of Mach 5 (6,120 km/h), can strike anywhere on Earth within an hour and are regarded as next-generation weapons capable of neutralizing missile defense systems.

Theoretically, hypersonic glide vehicles launched on missiles separate mid-flight and glide at extremely low altitudes to strike targets, making detection and interception very difficult.

Additionally, it was mentioned that "within a short period, military reconnaissance satellites will be operated to secure reconnaissance information collection capabilities, and major research projects to develop reconnaissance means, including unmanned reconnaissance aircraft capable of precise reconnaissance up to 500 km deep into enemy territory, will be actively promoted." It claimed to have completed the design of reconnaissance detection means and military reconnaissance satellites.

However, analysts suggest that these plans are largely aimed at maximizing negotiating power with the U.S. ahead of the inauguration of the Joe Biden administration, and the actual likelihood of success is limited.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.