According to an article by NKNews on September 6, 2023, North Korea unveiled its "Hero Kim Kun Ok" nuclear attack submarine, qualified as "tactical" and designated with hull number 841, during a ceremony at the Sinpho shipyard located on the east coast of the country. This development has raised international interest due to its potential implications.
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The new North Korean nuclear attack submarine "Hero Kim Kun Ok", registered 841 (Picture source: KCNA)
North Korea's pursuit of a nuclear attack submarine has been a long-standing endeavor, and the Sinpho shipyard is an integral part of North Korea's naval modernization efforts. Originally a Soviet-era Romeo-class diesel-electric attack submarine dating back to the 1950s, the "Hero Kim Kun Ok" submarine is not a completely new creation but the result of an extensive conversion process.
Kim Jong Un's modernization strategy, termed "low-cost ultra-modernization," centers on upgrading existing assets to maximize their operational effectiveness. This approach aligns with North Korea's ambitious goals of further enhancing its naval armament capabilities, including the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, within the next five to ten years.
In 2019, Kim Jong Un tasked the "Pongdae Submarine Factory," also known as the Sinpho shipyard, with constructing nuclear-powered submarines, signifying a significant shift in North Korea's naval capabilities.
The "Hero Kim Kun Ok" submarine has been designated as a "tactical nuclear attack submarine," indicating its intended role in both preemptive and retaliatory nuclear strikes, with a focus on countering potential invasion fleets, notably those from the United States and South Korea. The submarine's capabilities include the potential to carry nuclear submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) alongside smaller missile systems, according to expert speculation.
Despite its impressive capabilities, substantial uncertainties surround the submarine's operational readiness, particularly regarding its ability to effectively launch nuclear-capable missiles, a crucial aspect of its mission. Expert analysis suggests that the submarine may be equipped with medium-sized SLBMs, such as the Pukguksong-3, last tested in October 2019. These SLBMs typically range from 9.7 to 10.6 meters in length and 1.5 to 1.8 meters in diameter, depending on the specific version.
North Korea's recent testing of underwater-launched short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) known as the Hwasong-11S has introduced further complexity to the submarine's potential armament. The use of the term "tactical nuclear" implies the possible inclusion of SRBMs and cruise missiles. However, ongoing assessments aim to determine whether the submarine's missile hatches can indeed accommodate medium-sized SLBMs. Initial imagery analysis suggests the submarine may have a mixed loadout, possibly carrying four Pukguksong missiles and six smaller missiles. Furthermore, the vessel's configuration may lack torpedo tubes in the bow, potentially at the expense of crew spaces.
The unveiling of the "Hero Kim Kun Ok" tactical nuclear attack submarine marks a significant development in North Korea's pursuit of enhanced naval capabilities, while the exact operational status and capabilities of this vessel remain uncertain.
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