At approximately 1700 EST, North Korean state-owned media announced that Kim Jong-Un was presiding over a commissioning ceremony for a new “Tactical Nuclear Attack Submarine” as Sinpo Naval Shipyard. The images show below:
The announcement from Rodong Sinmun includes the transcript for Kim Jong-Un’s speechbelow:
“Ship No. 841 ?Gunok Kim Hero?, which will be launched today, is the standard type of tactical nuclear submarine, which is intended to convert the existing medium-sized submarines of the Republic of Korea Navy into attack type, which was mentioned in the last Navy Day.”
Kim went on in patriotic fashion to praise the ship builders and pontificate on the strengthening of the North Korea Navy. This submarine is not expected to be nuclear powered, but based on his speech is expected to carry tactical nuclear weapons.
Currently, the DPRK’s attack submarine inventory is estimated to include 4 former Soviet Whiskey class submarine, 22 Chinese Romeo Class submarines, and DPRK-built Romeo Class submarines. The Whiskeys, acquired in the 1960s, can carry 12 torpedoes or 24 mines. Shortly after delivering four Romeos in the early 1970s, China helped the DPRK start its own Romeo construction program. The Romeos are well equipped, have an improved sonar, and can carry 14 torpedoes or 28 mines. (wiki)
