North Korea unveiled the completed hull of what it described as a nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine, escalating the underwater arms race with South Korea. The announcement, made Thursday through state media, included photos of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspecting the vessel.

Kim Jong-un had previously identified the construction of a nuclear submarine as a key weapons project during the Workers Party congress in 2021. State media had released images in March showing the submarine under construction. The unveiling of the completed hull suggests significant progress in the project, though no timeline for completion or deployment was given.

The development comes as North Korea condemned South Korea's plans to build its own nuclear-powered submarine, characterizing it as a security threat. The two nations have been engaged in a broader arms race, with both sides investing heavily in advanced military technologies.

Analysts and outside officials have expressed skepticism regarding North Korea's ability to acquire the necessary complex technologies and components for a nuclear submarine, particularly the sourcing and implementation of a small nuclear reactor to power the vessel. Hong Min, a researcher, stated that the completed and welded hull indicates the likely installation of a nuclear reactor.

The unveiling raises concerns about regional stability and the potential for further escalation in tensions between North and South Korea. The international community will likely be watching closely for further developments in North Korea's nuclear submarine program.