North Korea says it has inaugurated a new “tactical nuclear submarine.” Leader Kim announced that his country would build more nuclear-powered submarines.
According to state news agency KCNA, North Korea has launched its first operational “tactical nuclear submarine.” The submarine “No. 841” should now patrol the waters between the Korean peninsula and Japan.
“The rapid development of our naval forces is a priority that cannot be postponed given the enemies’ recent aggressive moves and military actions,” North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in a speech at the launch ceremony, which apparently took place on Wednesday, according to the agency.
Kim announces more nuclear submarines
Kim described the submarine as the main means of underwater offensives for the North Korean naval forces. North Korea plans to convert its existing submarines into nuclear-armed attack submarines and accelerate the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, Kim said. On Thursday the submarine was prepared for a test trip.
North Korea has a large submarine fleet. According to the US-based think tank Nuclear Threat Initiative, the country has between 64 and 86 submarines, making it one of the largest submarine fleets in the world. However, given the age of the boats, experts doubt that they are all operational.
It is currently unclear which missiles the new submarine is armed with. The country had previously tested a number of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and cruise missiles that can be launched from submarines.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Jakarta on Thursday and called on Beijing, as a member of the UN Security Council, to do more to combat the nuclear threat from North Korea.