Description: North Korean state – owned media KCNA, has introduced an apparent nuclear-powered submarine. Government officials from North Korea including Kim Jong Un were photographed at an undisclosed location where they unveiled the 6-to-7-thousand-ton class strategic missile guide submarine. South Korean military experts claimed the term strategic missile guide submarine meant it could carry nuclear warheads. The introduction is in line with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un statements in recent months for increasing the country’s nuclear deterrent capabilities. The introduction of the submarine could pose a significant security threat for the region and beyond according to South Korean officials.
Impact: North Korea has apparently delivered on their threats to enlarge their nuclear-powered capacities as a response to enhanced level of military drills in the regions conducted by the US and South Korea. With talks of denuclearization ill – received, and North Korea’s emboldened rearmament, military tensions in the region are high. In a complicated geopolitical theater with China and the US as the main players, North Korea’s nuclear capabilities enlargement would aim at disrupting conventional power dynamics and heighten the military preparedness in the region possibly inciting a mid – term arms race.