A type of nuclear reactor that can be used in submarines was possibly supplied to North Korea from Russia, according to a report. The recent claim has been made by the South Korean military.
Intelligence from Seoul suggested that Moscow possibly supplied nearly two to three nuclear submarine modules to Pyongyang.
These modules included core components of a nuclear propulsion unit. The delivery possibly took place in the first half of 2024.
Reactor, turbine and cooling systems were possibly supplied
Reports have revealed that the supplied systems are a possibly reactor, turbine and, cooling system, which are key components of a nuclear propulsion unit.
Speculations have also been made that Pyongyang could have received a complete functioning reactor that can be used in nuclear-powered submarines.
The modules supplied were likely taken from decommissioned Russian submarines, as per the report.
A South Korean government source has revealed that since last year, North Korea has been persistently requesting nuclear submarine technology and advanced fighter jets from Russia. The official highlighted that Moscow was initially reluctant but appears to have agreed to provide them with nuclear submarine technology this year, reported Korea JoongAng Daily.
Nuclear submarines can easily conduct operations in enemy areas
Nuclear submarines are extremely difficult to detect as they are designed for stealth. Such vessels can operate submerged for long periods. Conventional sonar and radar systems rarely help detect such submarines. However, reports have revealed that such vessels have a constant heat signature from their reactor.
Using such vessels bolsters the military capability of any country. This can help conduct spy operations in enemy areas without detection. If North Korea has actually received such nuclear submarine technologies, it can pose a serious threat to Seoul.
In conventional design, a nuclear submarine uses a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) to generate heat by fission, which then warms water in a closed primary loop. This hot, high-pressure water flows to a steam generator, transferring its heat to a secondary loop to produce steam. The steam spins a turbine, which drives the propeller for propulsion and also powers electrical generators.
The steam then goes to a condenser where it’s cooled by seawater, turning back into water to be pumped back to the steam generator, repeating the cycle.
North Korea’s nuclear submarine technology can pose threat to US
Pyongyang sees nuclear submarine technology as a key capability that can pose a serious threat to the United States. It has been claimed that Pyongyang possibly doesn’t have the capability to build a nuclear submarine, considering the fact that the reactor is the most critical component of the vessel.
On March 8, the North’s state-run Rodong Sinmun published photographs of its leader, Kim Jong-un, inspecting what appeared to be a nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine under construction. Pyongyang had pressed Moscow for such technology in return for sending personnel to support Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, reported Korea JoongAng Daily.