A solemn ceremony unfolded in North Korea to mark the launch of a newly constructed submarine designed to carry tactical nuclear weapons. The event was aired by a domestic radio service identified as the Voice of Korea, emphasizing its significance for the nation’s strategic posture.
Reports indicate that Kim Jong-un, the country’s supreme leader, attended the ceremony. The appearance coincided with preparations for North Korea’s forthcoming founding day, underscoring the leadership’s intent to project continuity and strength as it advances its defense program.
Authorities described the submarine as the first of its kind in North Korea to be equipped with tactical nuclear capabilities. Officials also noted that the vessel is entering a phase of sea trials to validate its performance and readiness before any potential deployment at sea.
Diplomatic observers noted that Sin Hong-chol, who previously served as North Korea’s ambassador to Russia, reaffirmed the nation’s stance on a policy centered around nuclear deterrence and responses to regional tensions involving the United States.
At a separate gathering on the sidelines of regional meetings, the South Korean president, Yoon Seok-yeol, articulated concerns about Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear activities. Speaking during the East Asia Summit in Jakarta, he described Pyongyang’s moves as a challenge to international peace and regional stability, urging cooperation among Asia-Pacific partners to address the situation.
Pyongyang has repeatedly asserted that U.S. plans to deploy strategic nuclear assets to neighboring territories would escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has also criticized the prospect of U.S. nuclear-armed submarines operating in close proximity to allied nations, arguing that such deployments threaten regional security and require a coordinated international response.
In recent years, North Korea has conducted simulated scenarios involving tactical nuclear attacks as part of its broader military exercises and strategic messaging. Analysts note that these demonstrations form part of a broader pattern aimed at signaling deterrence capabilities and shaping regional responses to its evolving defense program (attribution: state media and parliamentary briefings).