Intelligence gathered by South Korea suggests that North Korea has received nuclear submarine technology from Russia. This includes a nuclear reactor and other essential parts that are needed to power submarines. According to reports, these transfers happened during the first half of the year.

Strategic Partnership and Submarine Technology Transfer

The Korea JoongAng Daily reported, citing several South Korean government officials, that Russia supplied “two to three nuclear submarine modules” to North Korea. These modules included not only a reactor but also a turbine and cooling system, which are critical components of nuclear propulsion. The equipment was not newly manufactured but taken from Russian submarines that had been decommissioned.

Russia and North Korea have been strengthening their military ties since last year. Both countries signed a strategic partnership, promising each other military aid. Under this deal, Pyongyang has been sending troops and ammunition to help Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. In return, Moscow has been sharing advanced military equipment with North Korea, including nuclear submarine technology.

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Officials in Seoul explained that Russia was initially unwilling to give such advanced submarine technology to North Korea. Pyongyang had been asking for nuclear submarine systems and advanced fighter jets since last year, but Russia only recently agreed to the transfer. The intelligence on these transactions has been shared by South Korea with allies, including the United States, and is now under verification for accuracy.

North Korea’s Naval Ambitions and Submarine Technology

North Korea has been steadily working on strengthening its naval forces. Apart from its well-known nuclear and missile programs, Pyongyang is also focusing on expanding its fleet. Intelligence suggests that the country is currently building a nuclear-powered guided missile submarine and two large 5,000-ton destroyers. These steps are aimed at countering the naval power of the United States and South Korea, which maintain technologically superior fleets.

In March, North Korean state media revealed that a nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine is under construction. Photographs showed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the progress. During his visit, he highlighted the importance of building a nuclear-armed navy as a key part of the nation’s defense strategy. This project relies heavily on submarine technology provided by Russia.

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The significance of nuclear submarine technology lies in its unmatched operational advantages. Unlike diesel-electric submarines, nuclear-powered ones can stay underwater for extremely long periods without surfacing. Their speed and range are not limited by fuel but only by food supplies for the crew. Currently, only a few countries in the world, including the United States and Russia, operate such submarines.

For comparison, the U.S. Navy operates a fleet of Ohio-class submarines. Four of these vessels were converted from launching nuclear missiles to conducting conventional strikes. Each of these submarines can carry up to 154 Tomahawk missiles, each capable of hitting targets more than 1,000 miles away. With the transfer of submarine technology from Russia, North Korea is now aiming to develop a naval force that mirrors the capabilities of major powers.

Global Reactions and Official Statements

The intelligence about Russia supplying nuclear submarine technology has drawn global attention. South Korea’s Defense Intelligence Agency has publicly stated that it is closely monitoring these developments. The agency has also shared the gathered intelligence with Washington and other allies.

When asked for comment, Russia’s defense and foreign ministries did not immediately respond. Similarly, North Korea’s embassy in Beijing did not answer requests for clarification. However, leaders from both nations have made strong public statements highlighting their deepening partnership.

During a meeting in Beijing on September 3, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised North Korean soldiers for their role in supporting Russia’s military. He said that relations between Moscow and Pyongyang had reached a new level of trust, friendship, and alliance. Putin emphasized that Russia would never forget the sacrifices made by North Korean forces and their families.

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North Korea has also been vocal in its position. On March 8, the Korean Central News Agency quoted Kim Jong Un as saying that the country would not stand by and watch as enemy forces conducted naval and underwater operations near its territory. He stressed that North Korea would defend its sovereignty and strengthen its naval forces to ensure its security in the region. The recent acquisition of submarine technology is a clear example of this policy in action.

The transfer of nuclear submarine technology marks a significant step in the partnership between Russia and North Korea. It highlights how Pyongyang is diversifying its military capabilities beyond missiles and nuclear weapons, while Moscow gains manpower and munitions for its ongoing war effort in Ukraine.