North Korea "Constructs First Tactical Nuclear Attack Submarine"... Kim Jong Un Attends Launch Ceremony (Comprehensive)

Construction of the First Tactical Nuclear Attack Submarine 'Kim Gun-ok Hero Ship'
Capable of Carrying 3 or More 'Bukgeukseong-3ㅅ' SLBMs

North Korea has built its first tactical nuclear attack submarine capable of underwater nuclear strikes, the 'Kim Gun-ok Hero Ship' (No. 841). The new submarine, estimated to be able to carry up to three submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), is expected to be equipped with a new SLBM of 'Pukguksong-3ㅅ' or higher.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency reported on the 8th in an article titled "A New Era of Juche-based Naval Power Strengthening, A Major Event Signaling the Dawn of a Turning Point," stating, "The heroic military working class, scientists, and technicians infinitely loyal to our Party's revolutionary cause have built our style of tactical nuclear attack submarine as a gift to the motherland on its 75th founding anniversary."

The launching ceremony was held on the 6th, and in his congratulatory speech, Chairman Kim said, "The reality of No. 841 'Kim Gun-ok Hero Ship' being launched today is the standard model of the tactical nuclear submarine intended to convert our navy’s existing medium-sized submarines into attack types, as mentioned last Navy Day." He made it clear that the construction of the tactical nuclear attack submarine is aimed at countering the United States' nuclear-powered submarine forces. Until now, the only submarine from which North Korea has test-fired SLBMs was the whale-class submarine (2,000 tons) named '8.24 Hero Ship.' The '8.24 Hero Ship' can carry only one SLBM and cannot conduct prolonged underwater operations, which the U.S. considers to have low military effectiveness.

Chairman Kim emphasized, "The nuclear armament of the navy is an urgent and unavoidable task of the times," adding, "We must accelerate the delivery of underwater and surface vessels equipped with tactical nuclear weapons to the navy so that it can smoothly carry out its strategic missions."

He also announced plans to convert the existing medium-sized submarines into attack submarines capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons, and to improve the armament systems and diving capabilities of both existing and new submarines to strengthen naval power. Among the 'five strategic weapons' that Kim Jong-un declared in January 2021 as must-develop, nuclear submarine-related technology is prioritized. North Korea views nuclear submarines as a 'game changer' that will alter the dynamics of negotiations with the U.S.

He stated, "In submarines, capabilities such as propulsion systems, diving speed, and navigation equipment levels are very important and are generally evaluated as operational capabilities, but the most fundamental factor is what armament is equipped. My view is that if nuclear weapons are equipped, that is what makes it a nuclear submarine."

The agency added that on the 7th, Chairman Kim inspected the Kim Gun-ok Hero Ship as it prepared to set sail for a test voyage.

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