North Korea has announced the launch of its long-awaited nuclear attack submarine, with Kim Jong Un marking its unveiling. While North Korea sees this as a key step in strengthening its naval capabilities against the US and South Korea, South Korean military sources have raised doubts about the submarine’s actual operational efficiency.
Reports from the KCNA news agency suggest the submarine is equipped to deploy nuclear missiles from under the sea, which theoretically improves North Korea’s ability to retaliate in the event of a land-based nuclear assault. However, details about its missile capability remain ambiguous.
Kim Jong Un conveyed the urgency to bolster the nation’s naval forces during the launch, citing perceived threats from adversaries. The submarine, named “Hero Kim Kun Ok” after a renowned North Korean historical figure, had been under the radar of international analysts since 2016.
This naval increase by North Korea may be a response to the US positioning a nuclear-capable missile submarine in South Korean waters two months ago, a maneuver not seen since the 1980s . Although North Korea has tested several submarine-launched missiles and submarine-based cruise missiles, experts believe a stealthy and reliable fleet could be out of its immediate reach due to heavy sanctions.
Rumors are circulating that Kim Jong Un may soon meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The forecasts include possible exchanges involving economic aid and advanced weaponry for North Korea.
South Korea has criticized the North Korean submarine launch, with officials emphasizing the nation’s disregard for the welfare and human rights of its own people.
This article is sourced from and written by AI.
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