North Korea launches nuclear attack submarine
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North Korea nuclear submarine
North Korea has launched its first nuclear attack submarine called Hero Kim Kun Ok, after a renowned historical figure.
The launching ceremony was held on Wednesday, and the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, oversaw the entire event, per Korean Central News Agency—KCNA, reports.
The sub is designed to launch tactical nuclear weapons from under the sea and heralds the beginning of a new chapter for the Naval forces of North Korea, the KCNA stated.
It is unknown how many missiles the sub can carry and fire; however, experts have analysed photos released by state media and concluded that it could load and fire around 10 of Pukgoksong-3 weapons.
Robert Kelly, an international relations professor at Pusan University in South Korea, said that much remains unknown, though the main feature is the propulsion system. If it is loud, then the sub would be easy to locate.
Official pictures of the ceremony suggested it was a joyous occasion with elaborate decoration and confetti, women dressed in Korean hanbok, holding flags and showering flowers on the top leader as walked on the red carpet.
The submarine, Hero Kim Kun Ok, would operate between the Korean Peninsula and Japan and conduct its combat mission as “one of the core underwater offensive means of the naval force” of North Korea, added Kim.
