Russia Aids North Korea's Submarine Capabilities, Seoul Reveals

South Korea's defense minister told parliament that North Korea likely received technical help from Russia to develop its submarine capabilities. But he cautioned it's too early to confirm whether Pyongyang actually tested a submarine-launched ballistic missile.

Defense Minister Ahn Jae-bock made these comments during parliamentary testimony, highlighting growing concerns about military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. This potential partnership comes as both countries face international isolation - Russia over its war in Ukraine, and North Korea due to its nuclear weapons program.

North Korea has been working for years to build submarines that can launch ballistic missiles. The country has tested missile launches from underwater platforms before, but experts remain unsure whether Pyongyang has mastered the complex technology needed for actual submarine launches. The technical challenges are significant - submarines must surface or come close to the surface to launch missiles, making them vulnerable to detection.

The timing matters for regional security. Submarine-launched ballistic missiles would give North Korea a harder-to-detect second-strike capability, making its nuclear arsenal more threatening to South Korea, Japan, and U.S. forces in the region. Unlike land-based missiles that satellites can track, submarines can move undetected and launch from unexpected locations.

Russia's alleged technical assistance represents a shift in the security landscape. Moscow has historically supported UN sanctions against North Korea's weapons programs, but the war in Ukraine appears to have changed this calculation. Russia now needs artillery shells and other military supplies that North Korea can provide.

North Korea is also pursuing nuclear-powered submarines, which would extend their range far beyond current diesel-electric models. Such vessels could potentially threaten the U.S. mainland, not just regional targets. However, building nuclear submarines requires advanced reactor technology that few countries possess.

For South Korea and its allies, this development signals the need for stronger missile defenses and submarine detection capabilities. The potential Russia-North Korea partnership also complicates diplomatic efforts to restart nuclear negotiations with Pyongyang.