According to local media, the ship would be equipped with missiles with nuclear warheads.
“This is an urgent task and an indispensable choice to radically accelerate the development, modernization and arming of the fleet with a nuclear arsenal,” North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency reported, quoting the North Korean leader.
Kim Jong Un also criticized the joint initiative of South Korea and the United States to create a submarine, warning that it would negatively impact security in the region.
A photo showing the construction of the ship
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STR/AFP/East News / East News
During a visit to South Korea in October, US President Donald Trump gave the green light to Seoul to build its own submarines. Pyongyang opposed and criticized the decision.
According to Reuters, Kim was also informed about ongoing research on “new underwater weapons” and presented the strategy for reorganizing the North Korean navy, as well as announcing the creation of new units. KNCA added that Kim was accompanied by his daughter when inspecting the ship.
A military expert from South Korea consulted by Reuters estimated that a small nuclear reactor could already have been placed in the submarine.
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As part of the strategy adopted in January 2021 during the Workers' Party congress, North Korea decided to equip its fleet with nuclear-powered submarines and underwater missile launchers with nuclear warheads.
Reuters noted that the partnership between Russia and North Korea raises concerns that Moscow may be helping Pyongynang build the submarine. According to KCNA, Russian leader Vladimir Putin extended best wishes to Kim last week. Putin drew attention to the support North Korea provided to Russia when it sent its soldiers last year to support Russian troops waging an aggressive war against Ukraine.
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