North Korea has launched its first “tactical nuclear attack submarine” as part of its effort to strengthen its naval force, state media said Friday. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over the unveiling ceremony on Wednesday, saying the sub was part of a “push forward with the nuclear weaponisation of the Navy”, according to state news agency KCNA.
Images in state media showed Kim, wearing a light suit and sun hat, speaking to white-uniformed sailors next to the submarine, whose bow was decorated with the North Korean flag.
The launch of submarine No. 841 — named the Hero Kim Kun Ok — “heralded the beginning of a new chapter for bolstering up the naval force of the DPRK”, KCNA said, referring to the abbreviation of North Korea’s formal name. Kim said the sub “will perform its combat mission as one of core underwater offensive means of the naval force of the DPRK”, the agency added. North Korea will turn its existing submarines into attack vessels equipped with nuclear weapons, Kim said.—INP
