North Korea Unveils Images of 8,700-Ton Nuclear Sub Under Construction as Kim Oversees Long-Range Air-Defense Test

Overview

• KCNA released photos of an approximately 8,700-ton submarine under construction that it says will use nuclear propulsion and carry guided strategic missiles as part of a naval modernization plan.
• The submarine is shown inside a covered construction facility, indicating it has not been launched and its capabilities have not been independently confirmed.
• State media said Kim Jong Un supervised a long-range surface-to-air missile test near the East Sea that struck targets up to 200 km while evaluating high-altitude defense technologies.
• South Korean analysts assessed the hull form as consistent with space for a reactor and suggested the boat could be nearing operational readiness, though key details remain unverified.
• KCNA withheld the date and location of the shipyard visit, and published images show Kim touring the site with senior officials, including his daughter Kim Ju Ae.