North Korea Reveals 8,700-Tonne Nuclear Submarine, Issues Stark Warning to US-South Korea Alliance

The shadow of a nuclear submarine arms race is looming over the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has slammed a new nuclear submarine deal between the United States and South Korea, revealing its own 8,700-tonne nuclear-powered submarine under construction. The move, combined with a new long-range anti-air missile test on Wednesday, significantly escalates military tensions in the region.

Kim Jong Un's Push for a Nuclear Navy

According to North Korean state media KCNA, leader Kim Jong Un described the Seoul-Washington deal as an "offensive act severely violating [Pyongyang’s] security and maritime sovereignty." During a tour of a submarine production facility, he said it was a threat that "must be countered" and that it was now urgent to "further accelerate the radical development of the modernisation and nuclear weaponisation of the naval force." The vessel under construction was identified as an "8,700-tonnage nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine."

On the same day, North Korea also test-fired a new high-altitude long-range anti-air missile into the Sea of Japan (referred to as the "East Sea of Korea" by KCNA). The state news outlet reported the test was successful, hitting a mock target at an altitude of 200 kilometres (124 miles).

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The US-ROK 'Submarine Alliance' and Russia's Support

Pyongyang's actions come as Seoul announced it was pursuing a "standalone deal" with the US to acquire nuclear-powered submarine technology. According to South Korea's Yonhap news agency, national security adviser Wi Sung-lac stated that South Korea could receive an exemption from US law, which bans transferring nuclear material for military use, from President Donald Trump. Australia pursued a similar deal, and talks with Washington are expected to begin early next year.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a New Year's greeting to Kim, thanking him for ongoing military support in the Ukraine war. According to KCNA, Putin hailed the success of a "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty signed in 2024 and expressed hope to strengthen the alliance.