North Korean Photos Show Nuclear Submarine in Progress

North Korea on Thursday revealed what appears to be significant progress in the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine, as state media released new images showing a largely completed hull. The development comes as leader Kim Jong Un criticized South Korea’s efforts to pursue similar technology.

According to North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim visited a shipyard to inspect the construction of what the North describes as an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine. Kim has previously called the vessel a key part of the modernization and nuclear expansion of the country’s navy. North Korea has indicated the submarine is intended to carry nuclear weapons, referring to it as a “strategic guided missile submarine” or a “strategic nuclear attack submarine,” the Associated Press reported.

During the visit, Kim denounced South Korea’s plans to acquire a nuclear-powered submarine—an effort backed by President Trump—calling it an “offensive act” that he said seriously threatens North Korea’s security and maritime sovereignty. Kim argued that South Korea’s plans further justify North Korea’s push to expand and nuclear-arm its naval forces. He claimed the completion of the submarine would represent an “epoch-making” advancement in strengthening the country’s nuclear deterrent against what he described as hostile forces. Developing a nuclear-powered submarine remains one of Kim’s top military priorities.

KCNA did not specify the date of Kim’s shipyard visit but released photographs showing him inspecting a massive, burgundy-colored vessel under construction inside an assembly hall, accompanied by senior officials and his daughter. It marked the first time state media had published images of the submarine since March, when earlier photos showed only its lower sections.

While it remains unclear how close the submarine is to completion, experts say the newly released images suggest substantial progress. Because submarines are typically built from the inside out, the appearance of a nearly complete hull indicates that major internal systems—such as the engine and possibly the nuclear reactor—may already be installed, said Moon Keun-sik, a submarine expert at Hanyang University in Seoul. “Revealing the full vessel at this stage suggests that most of the equipment has been fitted and that it may soon be ready for launch,” Moon said.

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