2 weeks Ago
South Korean intelligence had already flagged last fall the possibility that Pyongyang was seeking a nuclear-powered addition to its already sizeable undersea flotilla, and North Korea has been talking up the prospect for years. But last week's visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to what's supposedly a nuclear-powered boomer under construction is what set some alarm bells ringing around the region and in Washington. Amazingly, North Korea's apparent unveiling of a nuclear-powered submarine last week has garnered relatively little notice—understandable given the pace of the current news cycle.
Amazingly, North Korea's apparent unveiling of a nuclear-powered submarine last week has garnered relatively little notice—understandable given the pace of the current news cycle. South Korean intelligence had already flagged last fall the possibility that Pyongyang was seeking a nuclear-powered addition to its already sizeable undersea flotilla, and North Korea has been talking up the prospect for years. But last week's visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to what's supposedly a nuclear-powered boomer under construction is what set some alarm bells ringing around the region and in Washington.
North Korean media described the vessel as a "strategic guided missile" submarine, which would at least fit with the Hermit Kingdom's multiyear quest to develop and perfect submarine-launched missiles (including cruise missiles) and decades-long journey to become a recognized and credible nuclear power. Pyongyang just got its latest modernized diesel-electric submarine, the first one capable of actually carrying and launching its subsea missiles, out of drydock. If the reports are true, there could be several potential troubling implications.
First, North Korea's military assistance to Russia for its war in Ukraine, including the dispatch of at least 10,000 troops last year, as well as trainloads of artillery shells and rockets, may possibly be paying big dividends in...
Keith Johnson , Keith Johnson.
