North Korea Launches New Nuclear Attack Submarine, “Hero Kim Kun Ok,” Raising Concerns Among US and Allies

North Korea has announced the launch of a new nuclear attack submarine, the “Hero Kim Kun Ok,” which is designed to launch tactical nuclear weapons from underwater. The announcement was made on Friday by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency, and was accompanied by a photo of the vessel at a military shipyard.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed satisfaction with the acquisition of the submarine, which he said was crucial in his efforts to build a nuclear-armed navy to counter the United States and its Asian allies. However, South Korean officials were skeptical that the submarine would work as North Korea described.

The submarine is believed to be the first of its kind in North Korea’s arsenal, and is thought to be capable of carrying and firing multiple missiles. However, the exact number of missiles the vessel can carry and fire has not been specified.

The launch of the submarine is the latest in a series of military developments by North Korea, which has been expanding its nuclear capabilities in recent years. The United States and its allies have expressed concern over the country’s nuclear ambitions, and have called for a diplomatic resolution to the situation.