According to analysts, it would take considerable time and resources for the heavily sanctioned nation to build a fleet that could travel quietly in seas and reliably execute attacks.
attended a ceremony to christen the vessel on Wednesday, and described it as a critical milestone in his efforts to build a navy that can counter the US and South Korea.
According to the isolated state's KCNA news agency, the submarine is designed to launch nuclear weapons from underwater - but it is unclear how many missiles it can carry and fire.In theory, this would boostdeterrent because it would be able to retaliate even after absorbing a nuclear attack on land.
Pyongyang now plans to extend this capability to its existing fleet of submarines, and build further nuclear-powered vessels in future. "Achieving a rapid development of our naval forces... is a priority that cannot be delayed given... the enemies' recent aggressive moves and military acts," Kim said in a speech.
The new submarine has been named Hero Kim Kun Ok in honour of a historical North Korean figure, and analysts had first spotted signs it was being built back in 2016.
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