Pyongyang,. North Korea already has one of the largest submarine fleets in the world, but they are mostly old and noisy diesel-electric submarines. Diesel submarines have to surface frequently to charge their batteries, making them vulnerable to radar detection. Nuclear submarines can remain underwater until food for the crew runs out. Nuclear submarines can move much faster underwater than diesel submarines, allowing them to easily avoid enemy warships.
The biggest advantage of nuclear submarines for North Korea is invincibility. Even if America or South Korea destroys North Korea’s ground missile silo, then this submarine hidden in the sea will be safe to retaliate. This creates a situation of Mutually Assured Destruction (MDA), which will make either side afraid of starting a war. North Korea has provided Russia with millions of artillery shells and Hwasong-11 missiles.
Fitting a nuclear reactor into a small part of a submarine is very complex engineering. Experts believe that Russia may have shared miniaturization and silencing technology, which North Korea did not previously have. This submarine is still in the construction phase. The real challenge will be its sea trials, where it will be seen whether its reactor works safely and whether it can dive into deep water without being detected.
Kim Jong Un has described this submarine as revolutionary. They believe that this technology will increase their nuclear deterrence against enemy countries (mainly America and South Korea) manifold. The submarine’s hull remains visible and coated with anti-corrosive paint, indicating that internal machinery, such as reactors and engines, may have been installed. Experts believe that this ship may be ready for sea trials in the next few months.
Why is this a matter of concern?
Nuclear-powered submarines are far more dangerous than normal diesel-electric submarines because they can remain underwater for weeks, making them nearly impossible for enemy radars and satellites to track. If there is a land attack on North Korea, these submarines will be able to launch a retaliatory nuclear attack while remaining hidden under the sea. This submarine is one of Kim Jong’s five major military targets, which also include hypersonic missiles and spy satellites.
Even though the photos look impressive, some big questions still remain
How did North Korea acquire the technology to miniaturize a nuclear reactor and fit it in a submarine despite stringent international sanctions? Nuclear submarines must be very quiet. If this submarine makes noise, it can be easily detected with modern sonar systems. Many defense analysts suspect that Russia may have provided technical assistance to the project, given the growing closeness between Russia and North Korea in recent months.
