Overview
- Kim Jong Un inspected an under‑construction 8,700‑ton strategic guided‑missile submarine and labeled South Korea’s U.S.-supported nuclear-sub project an offensive act, according to KCNA.
- The United States formally approved South Korea’s pursuit of nuclear-powered attack submarines and pledged cooperation on requirements and fuel options, per a joint fact sheet.
- Analysts in Seoul say the rapid appearance of a nearly completed North Korean platform raises the possibility of Russian technical assistance, though others caution evidence remains inconclusive.
- Experts note there has been no formal launch and no independent confirmation of a functioning reactor or integrated combat systems, suggesting the rollout is demonstration rather than deployment.
- A U.S. attack submarine, USS Greeneville, made a port call in Busan that drew a denunciation from North Korea, while Kim ordered expanded missile and munitions production to boost capacity.