How serious a threat is North Korea’s nuclear-armed navy?
The submarine ‘841, named Hero Kim Gun-ok, is launched in a ceremony on 6 September. (Photo: KCNA)
As well as splurging on ballistic weapons, North Korea has been developing submarines and surface combatants capable of firing nuclear-tipped missiles. Largely based on outdated designs, do they nonetheless pose a serious regional threat?
The Korean People’s Navy has revealed several new pieces of equipment in recent months, including a modified submarine capable of launching ballistic missiles, a cruise missile-carrying corvette and a nuclear warhead-armed AUV.
The tactical nuclear attack submarine was launched and christened in a ceremony at Sinpho South Shipyard on North Korea’s east coast on 6 September. Originally a Soviet-designed Project 633 Romeo-class diesel-electric boat, it has been heavily modified to carry submarine-launched missiles.
The submarine carries the hull number ‘841’ and the name Hero Kim Kun Ok. As well as a new missile bay segment inserted into the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance]()
Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance
Success with the US Army’s Black Widow programme may have strengthened Red Cat’s international position, but executives believe the next growth opportunity lies in uncrewed surface vessels.
-
![The FDI frigate: a growing success story with more opportunities to come]()
The FDI frigate: a growing success story with more opportunities to come
Designed as a multi-role frigate with both anti-submarine and air defence capabilities, Naval Group’s medium-sized FDI frigate increasingly stands out as a success story in an industry wrought with delays.
-
![US weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits]()
US weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits
A Pentagon push to procure warships from Japanese and South Korean shipyards could reshape allied naval industrial strategy, but critics warn the approach risks hollowing out the domestic base Washington is seeking to restore.
-
![Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA]()
Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA
The accelerated delivery of the final Flight IIA destroyer, USS Patrick Gallagher, showcases the payoff of years of workforce investment and process reform at Bath Iron Works, with the lessons feeding into Flight III production.
