This photo released Friday shows a newly built "tactical nuclear attack submarine" at Sinpo Shipyard in South Hamgyong Province, North Korea, Wednesday. Yonhap

Pyongyang unveils new 'tactical nuclear attack submarine'

By Jung Min-ho

North Korea revealed its first submarine designed to launch "tactical nuclear weapons" from underwater, Friday, as the regime is redoubling efforts to perfect its second-strike capability ― an ability to respond to a nuclear attack with nuclear retaliation.

The submarine, named after a military hero, Kim Kun-ok, will carry nuclear-strike means for "a preemptive or a retaliatory attack," its leader Kim Jong-un said during a ceremony, held Wednesday, ahead of North Korea's Sept. 9 founding anniversary, the state media said.

This comes amid fears that Pyongyang is seeking Moscow's support in developing a nuclear-powered submarine through an ammunition-for-tech deal at Kim's expected meeting with Vladimir Putin next week. The New York Times reported that the summit would be held in Vladivostok between Sept. 10 and 13, citing U.S. sources.

In his speech, Kim made it clear that securing a nuclear-propelled submarine, which can run without refueling for 20 years or even longer, is one of the objectives his military is pursuing.

"The fact that the nuclear attack submarine, considered a symbol of invasion against our republic for decades, now symbolizes our power that terrifies the shameless enemies and that it is a new attack submarine of our own style unseen by the world, is truly something welcomed by all our people," Kim said. "Today's ceremony will shoulder no less burden for our enemies than building our nuclear-powered submarine."

Speaking to The Korea Times, analysts raised questions over the new submarine's capability, saying further assessments are needed to conclude whether it can fire nuclear-tipped missiles from underwater as North Korea claims.

But they also said North Korea's visible progress in developing submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) has been faster than expected, adding that its underwater nuclear strategy and ambition should not be underestimated.

"So far, the speed of North Korea's development of SLBM and submarine technologies has been faster than many anticipated," Kim Jung-sup, a security expert at the Sejong Institute, a think tank, said. "Ultimately, the North is seeking to perfect its second-strike capability by developing means to operate nuclear weapons underwater, which is exposed to a far lower risk of being detected … The submarine seems another step toward that goal."

This photo released Friday shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waving during a launching ceremony for a newly built "tactical nuclear attack submarine" at Sinpo Shipyard in South Hamgyong Province, North Korea, Wednesday. Yonhap

Judging from Kim's comments and pictures released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency, the submarine appears to be a modified Soviet-era Romeo-class one. It has 10 launch tubes ― with four larger than the other six. North Korea has tested different types of SLBMS in recent years.

Based on the announced test results, Kim Yeoul-soo, a military expert, said it is doubtful that the submarine can carry any of North Korea's large-size SLBMs ― Pukguksong-1, 3, 4 or 5. If anything, it might be able to carry mini-SLBMs, the weapon tested at a reservoir last year, or the Haeil, a guided torpedo the North claims can carry a nuclear warhead, he added.

"But further verification is needed as to whether North Korea can fire the weapons from the submarine," said Kim, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs, a think tank.

Their assessments are in line with that of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

"Our assessment so far has shown that the submarine is inoperable … There are also signs of deception or exaggeration," the JCS said in a statement.

It is also unclear whether the North has fully developed miniaturized nuclear warheads needed for SLBMs.

Nuclear-powered submarines capable of launching nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles would be a profound threat to South Korea and its allies because such weapons, in theory, make it possible for the regime to retaliate with nuclear weapons after absorbing a nuclear attack.

However, is expected to take a considerable amount of time and require additional technological breakthroughs for the heavily sanctioned regime to reach its goal. But the analysts warned that the Kremlin's help could help shorten that time significantly.