North Korea begins construction of large submarine possibly nuclear powered.

According to information published by Yonhap News Agency on August 8, 2024, the South Korean military has confirmed that North Korea has initiated the construction of a large submarine near Sinpo, a key area for the regime's submarine operations in South Hamgyong Province.
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Kim Jong Un during an inspection visit to the Nampho shipyard. (Picture source: KCNA)

On October 8th, officials revealed that analysis is underway to determine whether the vessel could potentially be nuclear-powered, a significant development given North Korea's past aspirations for such technology.

According to reports, the new submarine is notably larger than the existing ones in North Korea's fleet. Although it is still in the early stages of construction, the exact displacement and capabilities will become clearer as the work progresses. One military source suggested that while crucial components like a nuclear reactor have not yet been installed, the increased size raises the possibility that this could be North Korea’s first nuclear-powered submarine.

Earlier this year, in January, North Korea’s state newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported that Kim oversaw a test launch of submarine-launched cruise missiles and inspected ongoing work related to nuclear submarine development.

Korean People's Navy

The fleet includes a large number of conventionally powered submarines, with estimates suggesting around 70 to 90 vessels. While many of these are older models, like the Soviet-era Romeo-class submarines, North Korea has been modifying and upgrading them for more advanced roles, including missile delivery.

A key recent development is the unveiling of the Hero Kim Kun Ok submarine, which was launched in September 2023. This vessel represents a significant modification of the Romeo class, with the addition of a missile compartment designed to carry up to 10 missiles.

Although termed a "tactical nuclear attack submarine" by North Korea, it is still diesel-powered, not nuclear-propelled. The Hero Kim Kun Ok is believed to be capable of launching both submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and potentially cruise missiles.

North Korean Romeo-class

The Type 033 Romeo-class submarine displaces 1,475 tons when surfaced and 1,830 tons while submerged. It measures 76.6 meters in length, with a beam of 6.7 meters and a draught of 5.2 meters.

Powered by two diesel engines providing 2.94 MW (4,000 shp) and two electric motors, the submarine drives two shafts. It achieves a surface speed of 15.2 knots and a submerged speed of 13 knots. Its range extends to 14,484 km (9,000 miles) when traveling at 9 knots.

The vessel is crewed by 54 personnel, including 10 officers. Its sensors include sonar and radar, and it is equipped with MRP 11-14 electronic warfare and decoy systems.

The submarine is armed with eight 533 mm torpedo tubes, six located in the bow and two in the stern, capable of deploying up to 14 torpedoes or 28 mines. Its standard torpedo loadout includes both anti-ship and anti-submarine types, such as the Yu-4 and Yu-1 torpedoes.