By Ben Kerrigan-
North Korea announced on Friday that it has successfully launched a nuclear attack submarine, christened the “Hero Kim Kun Ok.”
This audacious move, orchestrated under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, marks a significant milestone in North Korea’s relentless pursuit of building a nuclear-armed navy. The primary aim is to counter the might of the United States and its steadfast Asian allies.
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During a festive ceremony that involved confetti and balloons, Kim stressed “the strategic and tactical plan to continuously enhance the modernity of underwater and surface forces and push forward with the nuclear weaponization of the Navy in the future”, North Korean state media reported.
North Korea’s official mouthpiece, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), released a statement detailing the historic launch. The newly unveiled submarine is touted to have the capability to launch tactical nuclear weapons from beneath the waves.
However, the report did not specify the exact number of missiles this formidable vessel can carry and unleash upon its adversaries.
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A nuclear submarine has long been on the list of weapons North Korea wants to build.
Photographs released by state media feature Mr Kim 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 symbolizes our threatening power that strikes fear into our unscrupulous enemies,” he said.
The submarine was designed to launch tactical nuclear weapons from underwater, KCNA said, and “heralded the beginning of a new chapter” for North Korea’s navy
The announcement came on the heels of a grand launching ceremony held on Wednesday, attended by the North Korean leadership. An onboard inspection took place on Thursday, where Kim Jong Un expressed his satisfaction at the realization of this crucial milestone in North Korea’s military ambitions.
Countering US Naval Dominance
In his remarks, Kim Jong Un underscored the strategic importance of the new nuclear attack submarine.
He emphasized that the vessel signifies a potent response to the advanced naval assets in possession of the United States, thereby asserting North Korea’s prowess on the high seas.
This development sends a clear message that North Korea is determined to carve a formidable presence in the maritime domain, aimed at unsettling the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region.
It is worth noting that in July, the United States made an unprecedented move by docking a nuclear-capable ballistic missile submarine in South Korea. This marked the first such deployment since the 1980s, further escalating tensions in the region.
Nuclear-Powered Aspirations
Kim Jong Un’s ambitions do not stop at this newly launched attack submarine. The North Korean leader revealed that the nation is actively pursuing the development of a nuclear-propelled submarine. Moreover, there are plans to retrofit existing submarines and surface vessels to accommodate nuclear weapons.
Kim characterized the creation of a nuclear-capable army as an “urgent task” for North Korea, highlighting the strategic imperative driving this endeavor.
North Korea has been steadily conducting tests of various missiles designed for submarine launch, aligning with its aspiration to establish the capability to launch nuclear strikes from underwater.
This capability, in theory, ensures a credible retaliatory option even after absorbing a nuclear attack on its soil. It’s a manifestation of North Korea’s unwavering commitment to enhancing its nuclear deterrent.
Implications and Challenges
The unveiling of the “Hero Kim Kun Ok” is not without its challenges and implications. Developing and maintaining a fleet of nuclear-armed submarines is a complex endeavor that requires considerable resources and technological advancements.
North Korea, a nation already under severe international sanctions, faces an uphill battle in achieving this goal.
Analysts posit that building a substantial fleet of submarines capable of stealthy operations and reliable attacks will necessitate extensive time and effort.
Furthermore, the introduction of ballistic missile submarines adds a maritime dimension to North Korea’s growing arsenal of solid-fuel weapons.
These land-based missiles are designed to overwhelm missile defenses in key U.S. allies in the region, South Korea and Japan. Both nations host a significant presence of U.S. troops, making them critical players in the Asia-Pacific security landscape.
Diplomatic Speculation and the Russia Connection
This groundbreaking revelation comes amid speculation that Kim Jong Un is preparing to visit Russia in the near future for a pivotal meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
The focus of this meeting is anticipated to revolve around North Korean arms sales, a move that could potentially replenish Russia’s depleted reserves following its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
In exchange for providing Russia with artillery shells and other ammunition, North Korea could seek essential economic aid.
Additionally, North Korea may be keen on acquiring advanced weapons technologies, including submarine-launched ballistic missile systems, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and military spy satellites.
These potential exchanges underscore the complex geopolitical chessboard that the international community navigates when dealing with North Korea.
It raises questions about the role of major powers in containing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and the broader implications for regional and global stability.
The World Watches and Reacts
As the news of North Korea’s nuclear submarine launch reverberates across the globe, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
It has placed a renewed focus on the need for diplomatic initiatives, regional cooperation, and a sustained commitment to denuclearization efforts on the Korean Peninsula.
The United States, along with its Asian allies, faces the critical task of reassessing its security posture in response to North Korea’s evolving capabilities.
This development introduces a new dimension of strategic complexity and underscores the need for a cohesive and coordinated response to safeguard regional peace and stability.
As the world watches, the fate of North Korea’s nuclear submarine program and its broader implications for international security remain uncertain.
The global community must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing this latest chapter in North Korea’s quest for military prowess.
The stakes are high, and the path forward is fraught with challenges, but one thing remains clear: the world cannot afford to ignore the strategic ambitions of North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un.
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