North Korea conducted the launch of a ballistic missile yesterday, as confirmed by Seoul’s military. This event occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump authorized South Korea’s initiative to develop a nuclear-powered submarine. Experts anticipate that the construction of such a vessel by Seoul may provoke a strong reaction from Pyongyang.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan. The missile successfully reached the sea outside Japan’s economic waters without causing any reported damage or injuries, stated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
The missile was launched at 12:35 pm (0335 GMT) from a location north of Pyongyang, traveling approximately 700 kilometers (435 miles), as reported by South Korea’s military. In recent years, North Korea has significantly escalated its missile testing activities, aiming to enhance its precision strike capabilities, challenge countries like the United States and South Korea, and potentially test weapons for export, possibly to Russia.
Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher heading the World Institute for North Korea Studies, commented, “From North Korea’s perspective, the possibility of sudden attacks from the East Sea will be a source of anxiety.” Chan-il also mentioned that if South Korea acquires a nuclear-powered submarine, it could potentially enter North Korean waters to monitor or intercept weapons like submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
Trump had disclosed that South Korea would construct the submarine in the United States, home to highly sensitive and closely guarded nuclear technology. Unlike conventional diesel-powered submarines, nuclear-powered submarines can remain submerged for extended periods without the need for frequent surfacing to recharge their batteries.
The development of a nuclear-powered submarine would signify a notable advancement in South Korea’s naval and defense capabilities, placing the country among a select group of nations with such advanced vessels. Currently, only the United States, Australia, China, Russia, India, France, and Britain have progressed towards nuclear-powered submarines, as indicated by various media and analysis reports.
Since the breakdown of the 2019 summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Trump over denuclearization and sanctions relief issues, Pyongyang has consistently asserted its status as a nuclear state. Kim’s stance has been bolstered by the conflict in Ukraine, where North Korea supported Moscow by deploying troops to assist Russian forces.
Despite Trump’s recent invitation for a meeting with Kim being unanswered, North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui visited Moscow and solidified bilateral ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a separate event, Kim appeared alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a military parade in Beijing, showcasing his heightened role in global politics.
While Trump engaged with Kim multiple times during his presidency and famously mentioned a personal connection, a lasting agreement concerning North Korea’s nuclear program was not reached. However, South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun suggested earlier this week that Seoul’s intelligence agency believes Kim remains open to future discussions with the US when conditions are suitable.
Although the anticipated meeting between Trump and Kim did not occur, there are indications that Pyongyang has been making preparations for potential talks with the US behind the scenes, as mentioned by the lawmaker.