DPRK shows nuclear submarine hull

DPRK showed the hull of a nuclear submarine: parts could have been supplied from Russia

North Korea for the first time publicly demonstrated finished hull of a nuclear submarine, which is currently under construction. As reported by The New York Times, The DPRK could have received some of the components for this project from Russia.

What we know

According to the newspaper, the demonstration took place after the DPRK condemned South Korea's plans to build its own nuclear submarine, calling them a threat to regional security.

The publication notes that The arms race between North and South Korea has reached a new level, The company's newest product, the "Underwater", is now available for purchase.

Pyongyang's position

The DPRK claims that the development of nuclear weapons is «forced response» on the growth of military presence: USA, South Korea and Japan in the region.

The North Korean authorities claim that these steps are necessary to Deterring potential aggression.

The role of Russia

The New York Times emphasises that Progress in the DPRK's military projects has accelerated significantly since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Western analysts do not rule out that:

• Moscow could have provided technological or material assistance;

• cooperation is part of the exchange for ammunition and military support.

Context.

The construction of a nuclear submarine is potentially Changes the balance of power in East Asia, It provides the DPRK with a covert nuclear deterrent. The United States and its allies are closely monitoring the development of the programme, viewing it as A new challenge to regional and global security.