How serious a threat is North Korea's nuclear-armed navy?
The submarine ‘841, named Hero Kim Gun-ok, is launched in a ceremony on 6 September. (Photo: KCNA)
As well as splurging on ballistic weapons, North Korea has been developing submarines and surface combatants capable of firing nuclear-tipped missiles. Largely based on outdated designs, do they nonetheless pose a serious regional threat?
The Korean People’s Navy has revealed several new pieces of equipment in recent months, including a modified submarine capable of launching ballistic missiles, a cruise missile-carrying corvette and a nuclear warhead-armed AUV.
The tactical nuclear attack submarine was launched and christened in a ceremony at Sinpho South Shipyard on North Korea’s east coast on 6 September. Originally a Soviet-designed Project 633 Romeo-class diesel-electric boat, it has been heavily modified to carry submarine-launched missiles.
The submarine carries the hull number ‘841’ and the name Hero Kim Kun Ok. As well as a new missile bay segment inserted into the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Navantia signs deal to supply new Avante 2200 corvettes to Saudi Arabia]()
Navantia signs deal to supply new Avante 2200 corvettes to Saudi Arabia
The vessels are the latest additions to an ongoing supply arrangement for Saudi Arabia’s defence force.
-
![Naval Warfare Preview 2025: Billion-dollar programmes will advance but unpredictable forces muddy the waters]()
Naval Warfare Preview 2025: Billion-dollar programmes will advance but unpredictable forces muddy the waters
Large programmes around the world are likely to be immune to flux, but the impact of geopolitics could be unprecedented in 2025.
-
![Saab Sea Giraffe to protect Swedish Navy]()
Saab Sea Giraffe to protect Swedish Navy
The Swedish manufacturer will supply its Sea Giraffe 1X naval radar in a range of configurations.
