North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on 25/12 that leader Kim Jong-un and officials inspected a large warship construction factory. The agency did not specify the exact time or location, but Kim's daughter also accompanied him on the visit.

Images released by state media show Kim Jong-un conversing with officials next to a submarine currently under construction. The vessel, painted a distinctive brick-red, rests on yellow support stands. North Korean media provided no further details about this new military asset.

Leader Kim Jong-un and officials next to a submarine under construction in a photo released on 25/12. *Photo: KCNA*

Kim Jong-un "personally guided the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying strategic guided missiles, with a displacement of 8,700 tons," KCNA stated.

Kim Jong-un reportedly criticized South Korea's recently approved plan to develop nuclear submarines, asserting it "will further destabilize the Korean peninsula." He added, "We consider this an aggressive act, a serious infringement on North Korea's national and maritime security, and a threat that demands a response."

Leader Kim Jong-un, his daughter, and officials at a warship construction factory in a photo released on 25/12. *Photo: KCNA*

North Korean media previously noted plans for nuclear submarine construction, specifically when reporting on the launching ceremony for the diesel-electric submarine Hero Kim Kun-ok in Sinpo in 9/2023. Kim Jong-un also inspected a "nuclear submarine under construction" in 1/2024, but no images from that visit became public.

In 10/2024, South Korean military intelligence assessed that North Korea was building its largest submarine to date, possibly nuclear-powered, at the Pongdae shipyard in the eastern city of Sinpo.

North Korea is believed to operate 86 submarines, including small warships. This number significantly outnumbers South Korea's fleet of 21 submarines.

Nhu Tam (According to KCNA, Yonhap)