North Korea is flexing its nuclear muscles. Kim Jong Un at the construction site of a special ship
“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 also criticized the joint initiative between South Korea and the United States to develop a submarine, warning that it would negatively impact security in the region.
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What type of ship is North Korea building?
What weapons will be on the new submarine?
Who accompanied Kim during the inspection?
What are the concerns about North Korea's cooperation with Russia?
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.
“A small nuclear reactor could already be placed in a submarine.”
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 South Korean military expert consulted by Reuters said a small nuclear reactor may have already been placed in the submarine.
As part of the strategy adopted in January 2021 during the Workers' Party congress, North Korea is 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 troops last year to support Russian troops waging an aggressive war against Ukraine.
