North Korea launches first tactical nuclear submarine.

State media said that North Korea’s first operational “tactical nuclear attack submarine” was deployed to the navy that patrols the Korean peninsula-Japan waterways on Friday.

During the launch ceremony on Wednesday, Kim Jong Un stated that Submarine No. 841, called Hero Kim Kun Ok after a North Korean historical hero, would be one of the “underwater offensive means of the naval force” of North Korea.

Analysts believe the vessel is a modified Soviet-era Romeo-class submarine that North Korea bought from China in the 1970s and produced domestically. Analysts said its ten launch tube hatches indicated ballistic and cruise missiles.

Vann Van Diepen, a former U.S. government weapons specialist working with the 38 North project in Washington, said such weapons won’t add much value to the North’s stronger land-based nuclear arsenal since its submarines may not survive as long in conflict.

“This thing is going to be vulnerable to allied anti-submarine warfare when fielded,” he remarked. “From a hard-headed military standpoint, this doesn’t make sense.”

At the launch ceremony, Kim said equipping the navy with nuclear weapons was necessary and pledged additional undersea and surface boats with tactical nuclear weapons for the navy.

“The submarine-launching ceremony heralded the beginning of a new chapter for bolstering up the naval force of the DPRK,” KCNA said, using the initials of the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Kim claimed North Korea would convert more submarines into nuclear-armed boats and boost its nuclear submarine program.

In a speech, the North Korean leader stated, “Achieving a rapid development of our naval forces… is a priority that cannot be delayed given… the enemies’ recent aggressive moves and military acts,” alluding to the U.S. and South Korea.

South Korea and Japan condemned North Korea’s submarine launch, which violates U.N. Security Council resolutions banning nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

“North Korea’s military activity is posing graver and more imminent threat to our country’s security than before,” said Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno.

Submarine Nuclear Attack

According to retired South Korean submarine captain Choi Il, the “tactical” submarine only carries short-range SLBMs or SLCMs that can hit South Korea, Japan, or other regional targets.

He added the submarine’s sail, the tower on top of the hull was extended, and ten vertical launch tubes, four big and six little, were fitted for SLBMs and SLCMs.

SLBMs and SLCMs were tested by North Korea.

North Korea may not have created miniaturized nuclear warheads for such rockets. If the North begins nuclear testing, analysts expect it to focus on smaller weapons.

North Korea possesses 20 diesel-electric Romeo-class submarines, which are antiquated and solely used for training.

In 2016, analysts saw indicators that at least one new submarine was being created. In 2019, official media showed Kim examining a submarine built under “his special attention” for east coast use.

State media didn’t detail the submarine’s weaponry systems or where and when the inspection occurred, but observers said its size suggested it might carry missiles.

Only the experimental ballistic missile submarine 8.24 Yongung (August 24th Hero) has launched a missile from North Korea’s huge submarine fleet.

The launching ceremony followed rumors that Kim might visit Russia this month to meet Putin to discuss weapons deliveries to Moscow and North Korea’s 75th anniversary on Saturday.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Jakarta on Thursday and requested Beijing to do more as a U.N. Security Council member to confront North Korea’s nuclear threat.