Nuclear submarine arms race heats up between North and South Korea

"8,700-ton nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine."

"the negative security situation that has come as present reality,"

"an offensive act that must be countered."

"can't compete with nuclear subs North Korea is building in underwater endurance and speed."

North Korea revealed an apparent completed hull and tonnage for an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine, marking a milestone since declaring pursuit of nuclear subs in 2021. Kim Jong Un framed the vessel as a defense against "the negative security situation that has come as present reality" and condemned South Korea's nuclear-sub plans as "an offensive act that must be countered." South Korea moved quickly after receiving U.S. approval, launching a pan-government task force and seeking a pact for U.S. military-use nuclear fuel. South Korea has tested submarine-launched nuclear missiles and claimed a nuclear-capable torpedo. Officials argue conventional diesel subs "can't compete with nuclear subs North Korea is building in underwater endurance and speed." The U.S. expects South Korean nuclear subs to have regional roles beyond countering North Korea.

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