North Korea Unveils a New “Nuclear-Powered” Submarine
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has recently intensified his focus on military development, highlighting the country’s push to strengthen its defense capabilities. He visited a site where a nuclear-powered submarine is under construction, signaling the importance North Korea places on advancing its navy. The visit took place amid rising regional security concerns and was reported by state media, which released photos and details on December 25, 2025.
Kim was accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, whose frequent appearances at such events have fueled speculation about her future role. During the visit, Kim inspected the submarine and held discussions with experts. Nuclear-powered submarines can remain underwater for extended periods, a capability currently held by only a few major powers, including the United States, Russia, and China.
Via ABC News
North Korea’s pursuit of this technology reflects its ambition to join this elite group and enhance its strategic reach at sea. Kim observed a test of a new long-range, high-altitude surface-to-air missile. He stressed that worsening security conditions make it urgent to accelerate naval and weapons development. Discussions also covered secret underwater weapons and broader plans to modernize the navy, underscoring North Korea’s determination to build a more formidable military force.
Kim Jong Un’s Criticism of South Korea
Kim Jong Un did not hold back when talking about South Korea. He said their plan to build nuclear-powered submarines with help from the United States is a big threat. He thinks this could make things more dangerous on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea sees this as a way for South Korea to get stronger militarily, which they believe is aimed at them. Kim’s words were strong, calling it something that must be countered.
Via BBC
This kind of talk is common between the two countries, which have been divided since the Korean War in the 1950s. South Korea and the United States have been working together on defense for a long time. They have agreements to share technology and train together. The submarine project is part of that. South Korea wants these subs to better protect its waters from possible attacks.
But North Korea views it as a step toward nuclear weapons, even though South Korea says it is not. Last month, North Korea’s media warned that this could start a chain reaction where more countries get nuclear tech, leading to more fights. Kim’s visit and comments are a direct response to these moves.
Via Nikkei Asia
He wants to show that North Korea will not sit back. By building their own nuclear sub, they aim to balance the power. This back-and-forth keeps the region tense, with both sides watching each other closely. Talks between North and South have stalled, and events like this make peace harder to achieve.
The Presence of Kim Ju Ae
One eye-catching part of the photos was Kim Ju Ae standing next to her father. She is believed to be around 12 years old and has appeared at several military events. This includes missile launches and parades. Experts think this means she is being prepared for a leadership role someday. In North Korea, the Kim family has ruled for three generations, starting with Kim Il Sung, then Kim Jong Il, and now Kim Jong Un. Showing her at these sites could be a way to build her image as strong and involved in defense matters.
Via ABC News
In the pictures, Kim Ju Ae looks attentive during briefings. She stands close to her father, who smiles in some shots. This family touch adds a personal side to the serious military news. It also sends a message that the leadership is stable and passing to the next generation. Not much is known about her daily life, as North Korea keeps personal details secret. But her public appearances are increasing, which is unusual for children in that country.
This could also be a strategy to appeal to the people. Seeing the leader with his daughter might make him seem more relatable. At the same time, it ties her to the country’s military strength, which is a big part of North Korean identity. Whether she will take over is not clear, but these events suggest she is important.
Via BBC
North Korea’s Push for Nuclear-Powered Submarines
Nuclear-powered submarines are a big deal because they can travel far and stay hidden. Unlike regular subs that need diesel fuel and air, nuclear ones use reactors to make power. This lets them go on long missions without surfacing often. North Korea has been working on this for years, but progress has been slow due to limited resources and international bans on technology sales.
The site Kim visited is kept secret, but it’s likely in a coastal area with shipyards. Workers there are building the sub from scratch, using local materials and designs. Kim urged them to work faster, saying it’s key for national security. He also talked about reorganizing the Navy to include new units focused on nuclear capabilities. This could mean special teams for operating these advanced ships.
Via The New York Times
Having such a submarine would allow North Korea to launch missiles from the sea, making it harder for enemies to stop them. Currently, they have diesel subs that can fire ballistic missiles, but nuclear ones would be a step up. Only a handful of nations have them, and the tech is guarded closely. The United States, for example, shares it only with close allies like Australia under deals like AUKUS. North Korea’s effort shows they want to be independent in military tech.
Details of the Anti-Aircraft Missile Test
Besides the submarine, Kim watched a test of a new anti-aircraft missile. This weapon is made to hit targets far away and very high up. The test happened on the same day as the submarine visit, showing how busy North Korea’s military is. State media showed photos of the missile launching toward the East Sea, which is between Korea and Japan.
Via CGTN
The missile flew high and hit a pretend target at 200 kilometers up. That’s so high it’s in outer space. If true, it means North Korea can defend against planes or missiles coming from space. Anti-aircraft systems are important for protecting cities and bases from air attacks. This new type is long-range and high-altitude, filling a gap in their defenses.
Kim praised the scientists and soldiers involved. He said the test proves their technology is advancing. No exact location was given for the launch, but it’s probably from a coastal site. These tests often worry neighboring countries because missiles fly over the sea, sometimes close to Japan.
Via Wikipedia
Technical Aspects of the Missile
The missile is described as a new type, but details are limited. It’s likely solid-fueled, which means it can launch quickly without much prep. Older missiles use liquid fuel, which takes time to load. High-altitude capability suggests advanced guidance systems, like radar or satellites, to track targets.
Hitting something at 200 kilometers is impressive. That’s above the atmosphere, where air is thin. The missile must be fast and accurate. North Korea has tested similar weapons before, but this one seems better. They claim it struck the target perfectly, showing reliability.
Via Kaggle
This development fits into their overall strategy of building layered defenses. They have short-range missiles for nearby threats and now long-range ones for farther ones. Engineers probably used computer simulations and real tests to perfect it. Despite sanctions, they find ways to get parts or knowledge from abroad.
Heightened Tensions on the Korean Peninsula
The Korean Peninsula has been tense for decades. North and South Korea are technically still at war since the 1950s armistice. Recent events like this submarine visit and missile test add to the strain. South Korea is boosting its military with U.S. help, including submarines and jets. North Korea responds by showing off its own weapons.
Via Reuters
Drills and tests happen often on both sides. The U.S. and South Korea hold joint exercises, which North Korea calls provocative. In turn, North Korea launches missiles, leading to more alerts. Japan also gets involved, as missiles sometimes fly over its territory.
People in the region worry about accidents or miscalculations leading to real conflict. Diplomacy has tried to calm things, like talks during the 2018 Olympics, but progress stopped. Sanctions on North Korea aim to stop its nuclear program, but they continue anyway.
Via Milwaukee Independent
North Korea’s Alliance with Russia
In a related story, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent New Year greetings to Kim Jong Un. He thanked North Korea for helping in the war in Ukraine. Since 2024, North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia. Some fought in areas like Kursk, where Ukraine had advanced.
Putin called it a sign of strong friendship and military brotherhood. North Korean soldiers helped liberate territory and did engineering work like clearing mines. This partnership is new but growing. Russia provides tech or food in return, helping North Korea despite sanctions.
Via RAND
The two countries signed a defense pact recently, promising to aid each other if attacked. This worries the West, as it could mean more weapons flowing. North Korea benefits from the Russian experience in wars, improving its own army.
Explore North Korea’s New “Nuclear” Submarine Claim
These military moves by North Korea have effects worldwide. A stronger North Korean navy could change the power in Asia’s seas. If they get nuclear subs, it might encourage other countries to arm up, too. The U.S. and allies might increase patrols or bases. The missile test shows progress in space tech, which could lead to better satellites or weapons. International groups like the UN try to limit this, but enforcement is hard.
Via The Wall Street Journal
Countries watch closely, using satellites to track tests. For ordinary people in North Korea, these events boost pride in their country. The media portrays Kim as a strong leader protecting them. But resources spent on the military mean less for food or schools. Looking ahead, North Korea will likely keep developing weapons. Kim has set goals for more subs and missiles. They might test more in 2026, showing off at parades.
Challenges include money and tech limits, but they persist. International talks could restart if leaders change or deals are offered. Until then, the peninsula stays on edge. Watching these events helps understand global security.
