North Korea is accelerating its nuclear submarine program as regional tensions rise in East Asia. On December 24, Kim Jong-un visited an undisclosed shipyard where a nuclear-powered submarine is under construction, according to the state-run agency KCNA. The visit comes amid growing anger in Pyongyang over the recent US–South Korea military partnership, particularly Seoul’s ambition to acquire its own nuclear-powered submarines with Washington’s backing. Kim described this cooperation as a direct threat that must be countered, highlighting worsening security conditions on the Korean Peninsula.
Nuclear Submarine ambitions amid regional tensions
The authorization granted by Donald Trump to South Korea in October to pursue such vessels has deeply alarmed North Korea. Only a small number of states possess nuclear-powered submarines, and the technology remains one of the most tightly guarded military secrets. Pyongyang previously condemned the agreement as a “dangerous attempt at confrontation” and warned of a potential nuclear domino effect in the region. During the shipyard visit, Kim emphasized that strengthening the nuclear armament of North Korea’s naval forces is now an urgent and unavoidable task, also referencing ongoing research into undisclosed underwater strategic weapons.
Missile test signals expanding air and naval deterrence
On the same day, Kim Jong-un also oversaw the test of a new high-altitude, long-range anti-aircraft missile over the East Sea, the North Korean designation for the Sea of Japan. KCNA claimed the missile accurately struck a simulated target at an altitude of 200 kilometers—technically reaching outer space if confirmed. The dual display of naval nuclear ambitions and advanced missile testing underscores Pyongyang’s determination to reinforce its maritime and aerial deterrence capabilities in response to evolving regional alliances.
