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 Largely based on outdated designs, do they nonetheless pose a serious regional threat?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
-
![Fincantieri signs R&D and training agreement with Pakistan Navy]()
Fincantieri signs R&D and training agreement with Pakistan Navy
A Memorandum of Understanding signed during an event in Karachi between the Italian shipbuilder and the Pakistan Navy covered naval training, research and development, and project-based collaboration.
-
![Taiwan reinvigorates its asymmetrical approach to naval warfare]()
Taiwan reinvigorates its asymmetrical approach to naval warfare
The threat from China has prompted Taiwan’s naval forces to shift from traditional naval structures to a more balanced strategy blending asymmetric defences with conventional platforms.
-
![Norway invites four nations to talk partnerships over new frigates]()
Norway invites four nations to talk partnerships over new frigates
The US, the UK, France and Germany each have existing frigate programmes.
