North Korea Unveils New Ballistic Missile Submarine, Promises Nuclear Armament Expansion
In a recent development, North Korea has successfully launched a new ballistic missile submarine, consolidating its position as a growing nuclear power. The submarine, named Hero Kim Gun-ok, was unveiled at a grand launch ceremony attended by the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un.
The North Korean government has termed the submarine as a “tactical nuclear attack submarine,” highlighting its capabilities to fire both ballistic and cruise missiles. This latest addition further bolsters Kim’s vow to expedite the nuclear armament of the navy and construct more nuclear submarines.
Revealing limited details, experts speculate that North Korea’s newly launched submarine is a modernized version of the Soviet-designed Romeo-class diesel-electric submarine. However, analysts argue that the submarine’s propeller area has been deliberately concealed in the images released by North Korea, raising doubts about its origin and extent of modifications.
Interestingly, it is speculated that this recently unveiled submarine is the same one showcased during Kim’s visit to Sinpo in 2019. Detailed analysis of high-resolution imagery has revealed a significant addition to the sail of the submarine – a large missile compartment with 10 hatches for vertical-launch missile tubes. While some hatches are purportedly designed for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, the remainder are believed to accommodate submarine-launched cruise missiles.
Notably, this is not the first time North Korea has tested its sub-launched ballistic missile. The country has previously tested its Pukguksong-1/KN-11, showcasing its growing capabilities in submarine-launched ballistic missile technology.
However, the current state of the rest of North Korea’s submarine fleet remains a mystery, leaving analysts wondering about the overall strength and capabilities of the country’s naval forces.
As North Korea continues to escalate its military advancements, concerns about regional stability and international security persist. The unveiling of this new ballistic missile submarine marks a significant milestone in North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, bringing attention to the need for diplomacy and effective deterrent strategies among global powers.
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