March 28, 2024
Analysis

N. Korea may be developing ballistic missile submarine

Sub, associated missile would have significant deterrent, propaganda value for Pyongyang

United States intelligence agencies believe North Korea is developing a submarine capable of launching ballistic missiles, American news site Washington Free Beacon reported on August 26. The report said that U.S. intelligence recently spotted a submarine being built in North Korea which featured a tube for a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

The development of a ballistic missile-capable submarine and deployment of SLBMs by the Korean People’s Army Navy would be yet another in a series of significant advancements as of late by Pyongyang’s military and arms industry with regard to missile and rocket capabilities. In the past year, North Korea has tested the KN-09 300mm multiple rocket launcher, extended the ranges of both the KN-01 anti-ship missile and the KN-02 surface-to-surface missile, and shown footage of the ship-based launch of a Kh-35 anti-ship missile.

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