North Korea Unveils Submarine Project as Kim Oversees Long-Range Air-Defense Missile Test

Overview

• North Korea’s KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un supervised a test-firing of a long-range surface-to-air missile near the East Sea.
• KCNA said Kim inspected construction of an 8,700-ton “nuclear” submarine at a site that was not identified.
• State media released images of the submarine and Kim’s visit, with no independent confirmation of where or when they were taken.
• The reports framed the submarine program as part of a broader effort to modernize the navy and enhance what Pyongyang describes as defensive capabilities.
• South Korea’s Joint Chiefs previously reported an eastward ballistic missile launch in October, reflecting a continued pattern of weapons testing.