North Korea has launched its first operational “tactical nuclear attack submarine”, a rebuilt Soviet-designed Romeo Class boat but radically modernized, with the name “Hero Kim Gun-ok” and hull number 841.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated at the launch ceremony on Wednesday that the new submarine will serve as one of the navy’s primary underwater offensive assets.
North Korea produces its own version of a Soviet-era submarine it acquired from China in the 1970s and subsequently modified. Analysts concluded that the vessel’s ten launch tube hatches indicated it was armed with both ballistic and cruise missiles.
Kim Jong Un said that North Korea intends to convert additional submarines into nuclear-armed vessels and speed up efforts to develop nuclear-powered submarines.
South Korea’s military stated that the submarine did not appear to be operationally ready and that there were indications that North Korea was exaggerating its capabilities.
South Korea and Japan have both spoken out against what they see as a reckless move by North Korea by condemning the submarine launch.
At a briefing, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said, “North Korea’s military activity poses a graver and more imminent threat to our country’s security than before.”