North Korea Shows Progress on Nuclear Submarine

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea on Thursday showed signs of progress in building a nuclear-powered submarine. State media released photos that appear to show a largely completed submarine hull. At the same time, leader Kim Jong Un criticised South Korea for trying to develop similar technology.

North Korea’s official news agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), said Kim visited a shipyard to inspect the submarine under construction. The submarine is described as an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered vessel. Kim has earlier said the project is an important step in modernising North Korea’s navy and strengthening its nuclear capabilities.

North Korea has also said it plans to equip the submarine with nuclear weapons. It has described the vessel as a “strategic guided missile submarine” or a “strategic nuclear attack submarine.”