North Korea unveiled the completed hull of what it described as a nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine, escalating the 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 released images in March showing the submarine under construction. The unveiling of the completed hull suggests progress in the project, though North Korea has not announced a timeline for its completion or deployment.

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 growing arms race, extending into underwater capabilities.

Experts have raised questions regarding North Korea's ability to acquire the necessary technology and components for a nuclear submarine, particularly the sourcing and implementation of a small nuclear reactor to power the vessel. "The completed and welded hull means that they have already mounted a nuclear reactor inside," said Hong Min, a [Note: Title/affiliation of Hong Min missing from source].

The unveiling indicates a continued focus on military advancement despite international sanctions and concerns over North Korea's nuclear program. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, awaiting further announcements regarding the submarine's completion and potential deployment.