North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-firings of new cruise missiles designed to be launched from submarines and reviewed efforts to build a nuclear-powered submarine, according to state media reports on Monday. These developments highlight North Korea's goal of building a nuclear-armed navy to counter what it perceives as growing external threats. The test-firings come amidst increasing tensions with the United States, South Korea, and Japan.
The South Korean military announced on Sunday that it had detected North Korea firing multiple cruise missiles over waters near the eastern port of Sinpo, where the country has a major shipyard for submarine development. Photographs published by North Korea's state newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, showed at least two missiles being fired separately, creating grayish-white clouds as they broke the water surface and soared at an angle of around 45 degrees. The missiles, identified as Pulhwasal-3-31, had been tested previously on land from the western coast of North Korea.
According to reports, two missiles were fired during the test, with North Korean state media claiming that they flew for more than two hours before accurately striking an island target. However, it did not specify the vessel used for the launches. In the past, North Korea has fired missiles from both developmental missile-firing submarines and underwater test platforms built on barges. South Korean and U.S. military officials are currently analyzing the launches, including the possibility of exaggerated flight times.
In recent years, North Korea has been actively testing various missiles designed for submarine launch as it seeks the ability to conduct nuclear strikes from underwater. The development of such capacity would enhance North Korea's deterrent by ensuring a survivable capability to retaliate in the event of a nuclear attack on land. Missile-firing submarines would also pose a maritime threat in addition to the country's existing solid-fuel weapons fired from land vehicles, which are meant to overwhelm missile defenses of South Korea, Japan, and the United States.
However, analysts caution that building a fleet of operational submarines capable of executing attacks reliably would require extensive time, resources, and technological improvements for the heavily sanctioned nation. Currently, North Korea possesses an estimated 70 to 90 diesel-powered submarines, which are mostly aging vessels capable of launching torpedoes and mines.
The North Korean leader expressed satisfaction with the test results, stating that the missiles accurately hit their sea targets, and issued directives for 'realizing the nuclear weaponization of the navy and expanding the sphere of operation.' Kim Jong Un described these goals as crucial considering the prevailing situation and future threats. He also received briefings on ongoing efforts to develop a nuclear-powered submarine and other advanced naval vessels.
Kim had previously mentioned plans for a nuclear-armed navy in September during the launch ceremony of a new submarine capable of firing tactical nuclear weapons. He stated that North Korea was pursuing the development of nuclear-propelled submarines and had intentions to modify existing submarines and surface vessels to handle nuclear weapons. Nuclear-propelled submarines possess the ability to quietly travel long distances and approach enemy shores, aligning with Kim's declared aim of establishing a nuclear arsenal that could viably threaten the U.S. mainland. However, experts believe that without external assistance, such vessels are unlikely to be feasible for North Korea in the near future.
South Korea's military has cast doubts on the operational readiness and capabilities of the submarine unveiled by North Korea in September, named 'Hero Kim Kun Ok.' Observations suggest that the vessel would require modifications to accommodate the missile launch systems it appeared to possess. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff noted that the vessel's appearance might indicate that it could not be operated normally.
Tensions have been escalating on the Korean Peninsula in recent months, as Kim Jong Un intensifies his weapons development activities and issues provocative threats of nuclear conflict against the United States and its Asian allies. In response, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan have been expanding their joint military exercises and strengthening their deterrence strategies, incorporating nuclear-capable U.S. assets.
The recent test-firings of cruise missiles follow North Korea's launch on January 14 of its first solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile. This missile test demonstrated Kim's efforts to expand the country's arsenal of weapons designed to overwhelm missile defenses in South Korea and Japan, as well as potentially targeting U.S. assets in the Pacific, including Guam.
The developments in North Korea's submarine-launched missiles and its ambitions for a nuclear-armed navy will undoubtedly be closely monitored by neighboring countries and the international community. As tensions continue to rise, the potential ramifications for regional security remain a significant concern.
