DPRK Forms Corps for Its First Domestically Produced Nuclear Submarine

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has completed the construction of the first hull of a domestically produced nuclear-powered submarine.

According to the North Korean KCNA state news agency, the submarine was unveiled during a visit by the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, to the Pongdae Shipyard.

It is worth noting that this facility has been showcased before; however, this is the first time it has been presented at full scale.

Based on its appearance, the vessel is likely still undergoing final construction, and its reddish-brown or maroon color appears to be a primer coating applied before the final black paint.

Based on the released photographs, some experts suggest the submarine’s displacement is approximately 8,700 tons. The bow section is fitted with six torpedo tubes. Their exact caliber is currently unknown; however, it can be assumed they are standard 533-mm tubes, the most common on modern submarines.

We also recommend reading the article on Militarnyi: “The DPRK’s Submarine Fleet and What It Needs from Russia.”

At the same time, particular attention is drawn to certain changes in the design of both the hull and the superstructure. Compared with the submarine Hero Kim Kun Ok (Project 641), launched on September 6, 2023, at the Pongdae shipyard in Sinpho, the new vessel features a significantly larger construction.

A distinctive feature is the change in the sail (superstructure): it has become larger and now has a pronounced “hump.” This design is directly related to the need to accommodate ballistic missile launch tubes.

Overall, reports about the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine in North Korea date back to early 2024.

At that time, South Korean intelligence, analyzing satellite imagery, recorded new activity at the Pongdae shipyard, where the Submarine Research and Construction Center is located.

This has led to speculation that Pyongyang is preparing to build an entirely new type of submarine.

South Korean intelligence’s assumption that the new submarine is equipped with a nuclear propulsion system is based primarily on its size, as well as on previous statements by Kim Jong Un about plans to build a nuclear-powered submarine fleet.

Later, in October 2025, South Korean Defense Minister An Gyoo-bek stated during a parliamentary defense committee hearing that North Korea had likely received technical assistance from Russia to develop its submarine fleet.

A month earlier, in September 2025, South Korea launched an investigation into reports of possible Russian deliveries of nuclear reactor modules for North Korean submarines.

According to reports, these modules include reactor cores, turbines, and cooling systems removed from decommissioned Russian submarines.