Overview

• North Korea has unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine under construction, described as a 'strategic guided missile submarine' by state media.
• The submarine is estimated to weigh 6,000 to 7,000 tons and could carry up to 10 missiles, with experts suggesting it may be capable of launching nuclear weapons.
• This marks a major upgrade to North Korea's large but aging submarine fleet, which has previously lacked nuclear-powered capabilities.
• Analysts speculate that Russia may have provided technological assistance in exchange for North Korean support in the Ukraine conflict, though this remains unconfirmed.
• The announcement comes as the US and South Korea begin their annual joint military exercise, heightening tensions in the region.