North Korea unveiled the completed hull of what it described as a nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine, amid rising tensions with South Korea over military advancements. The announcement coincided with North Korea's condemnation of South Korea's plans to build its own nuclear-powered submarine, framing it as a security threat.

Kim Jong-un, North Korea's leader, had previously identified the development of a nuclear submarine as a key weapons project during the Workers Party congress in 2021. State media had released images in March showing the vessel under construction. On Thursday, state media published photographs of Kim inspecting the completed hull.

The unveiling has prompted questions from outside officials and analysts regarding North Korea's ability to acquire the necessary complex technologies and components for a nuclear submarine. Concerns remain about the sourcing and implementation of the small nuclear reactor required to power the vessel. Despite these concerns, the unveiling suggests progress in North Korea's nuclear submarine program, although a timeline for completion and deployment has not been announced.

Hong Min, a researcher, stated that the completed and welded hull indicates the likely installation of a nuclear reactor.

The development occurs within the context of an ongoing arms race between North and South Korea, extending into the underwater domain. Both nations are investing in advanced military technologies, contributing to heightened regional tensions. The lack of transparency surrounding North Korea's nuclear program and its weapons development activities continues to fuel international concern and scrutiny.