As part of its leader Kim Jong Un’s strategy to build a nuclear-armed navy to compete with the United States and its Asian allies, North Korea has launched its first operational “tactical nuclear attack submarine”.
Kim presided over the launch of submarine No. 841, which was given the moniker Hero Kim Kun Ok in honor of a notable North Korean historical figure, on Wednesday, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
According to KCNA, the submarine “heralded the beginning of a new chapter” for North Korea’s navy and was built with the ability to launch tactical nuclear bombs from underwater. The maximum number of missiles the ship could carry and launch was not stated.
Hundreds of people were gathered on the quay for the ceremony, according to state media, while ladies wearing traditional Korean hanbok waved flowers and flags to welcome Kim. Senior officers followed behind him as the sailors applauded collectively as he marched by.
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Kim stated that the Hero Kim Kun Ok, which will be stationed in the waters separating the Korean peninsula from Japan, will carry out its combat mission as “one of the core underwater offensive means of the naval force” of North Korea. Kim also stated that the nation intends to accelerate the development of nuclear-powered submarines.
