South Korea has desired to build them for decades, but an old nuclear cooperation agreement with the US had prevented their construction.
North Korea has released new images of its first nuclear-powered submarine, which is presented as massive and equivalent in size to some of the US Navy's attack submarines. The photos released by state media show leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the vessel, which is located in an indoor construction facility, indicating that it has not yet been tested or launched. The construction of a nuclear-powered submarine has been a long-standing goal for Kim, who first mentioned it at a ruling party congress in 2021. However, the recent decision by South Korea to acquire nuclear-powered submarines following approval from the Trump administration appears to have added a sense of urgency to North Korea's construction efforts.
Advantages of nuclear-powered submarines
Nuclear-powered submarines offer several advantages. They can remain submerged for long periods—essentially for years, provided they have enough supplies for the crew—whereas most conventional submarines must surface to ventilate their diesel engines, which then charge the batteries for deep-water operation. Nuclear-powered submarines are also typically faster and quieter than conventional ones. Currently, only the US, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and India possess this technology. The images published on Thursday, December 25, 2025, show significant progress in the construction of the submarine, whose existence was first announced in March. According to state media, the submarine has a displacement of 8,700 tons, making it equivalent to most Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines of the US Navy.
The strategic importance of the submarine for North Korea's defense
Kim Jong Un reiterated the importance of these submarines for Pyongyang's defense policy, which he said is based "literally... on the strongest offensive force," according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "We perceive the superpower of offensive capability as the best shield for national security in the development of the armed forces," Kim stated, according to KCNA. Referring to US support for South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine, Kim Jong Un stated that this action violates North Korea's security and constitutes a threat that must be addressed.
North Korea's strategy and responsibilities
However, Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of International Studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, stated that North Korea itself is responsible for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. "Kim Jong Un is right to say that the development of nuclear-powered submarines will increase the unstable situation around the Korean Peninsula, but he is the one responsible for the arms race," Easley said. "Pyongyang rejects diplomacy with Seoul, threatens its neighbors with nuclear weapons, and deepens the suffering of its people by dedicating vast resources to the military dictatorship instead of economic development."
North Korea's strategic military development
Kim Jong Un has undertaken the strategic development of his country's military capabilities under a five-year plan revealed in 2021. These capabilities include a range of missiles, such as ballistic missiles that can reach the US mainland, hypersonic glide vehicles that may be difficult to defend against, and, at sea, two new guided-missile destroyers. The second of the new destroyers made headlines earlier this year when it capsized during its launch. The warship was recovered and, apparently, repaired. The construction of destroyers and nuclear-powered submarines marks "a leap forward in strengthening the fighting capabilities of our fleets," Kim said during the inspection of the new submarine, according to KCNA.
The comparison with South Korea and North Korea's future path
But, as Easley notes, North Korea's fleet remains inferior compared to that of South Korea, which possesses some of the best guided-missile destroyers in the world and new conventional submarines. "Kim Jong Un might realize he has made a miscalculation when he observes South Korea's superior technology," Easley said.
Nuclear-powered submarines before South Korea
North Korea appears to have an advantage over South Korea, as it can build nuclear-powered submarines sooner. South Korea has wanted to build them for decades, but an old nuclear cooperation agreement with the US hindered their construction until October, when President Trump appeared to give the green light. However, the design and construction process for these submarines can take a decade. "North Korea could conduct missile tests [with the submarine] after its launch within the next two years," said Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, in an interview with CNN. Based on the images, Hong Min analyzed that the submarine may already be fitted with a nuclear reactor, leaving only a few more stages before it is ready for launch.
The role of Kim Jong Un's daughter
Images of the event also showed that Kim Jong Un was accompanied by his daughter, believed to be Kim Ju Ae, who has appeared in public several times recently. This has sparked speculation that Kim Jong Un is possibly preparing his next successor.
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