Report: North Korea constructing submarine to launch nuclear ballistic missiles
What's the story
Satellite images of a North Korean naval shipyard indicate that the regime is following an "aggressive schedule" to operationalize its first ballistic missile submarine, the US-based research institute 38 North has reported.
If successfully constructed, such a submarine would mark a major capability jump in Pyongyang's growing nuclear arsenal.
The report comes amid heightened regional tensions over the North's nuclear and ballistic missile tests.
Explained
What are ballistic missile submarines?
Ballistic missile submarines are used to launch long-range nuclear-tipped missiles towards an enemy.
They are a crucial component to help a nuclear-armed nation to achieve the nuclear triad - the ability to launch nukes from land, air, and sea.
Nuclear weapons are aimed at deterring conventional and nuclear attacks by enemy states.
The stealthy and survivable ballistic missile submarine ensures deterrence is always maintained.
Report
What the report states
The 38 North took satellite photos on November 5 which showed activity at North Korea's Sinpo South Shipyard.
"The presence of what appear to be sections of a submarine's pressure hull in the yards suggests construction of a new submarine, possibly the SINPO-C ballistic missile submarine - the follow-on to the current SINPO-class experimental ballistic missile submarine," the report said.
Missile launcher
Photos show mechanism for ejection launch of ballistic missiles
The report states that movement of parts and components have continued in the shipyard through much of 2017.
The November 5 photos show of what could be the hull of a submarine that is larger than the North's current Romeo-class attack submarine.
A mechanism for ejection launch of missiles from a submarine is also seen.
There are no indications of any missile tests.
What if?
What happens if North Korea attains ballistic missile submarines?
Ballistic missile submarines are a very difficult technology to master.
If North Korea attains such submarines, it would be able to launch nuclear-tipped missiles against the distant US and its allies from far out into the sea.
Additionally, in case of a US first nuclear-strike on the North's territory, a stealthy under-sea ballistic missile submarine would give Pyongyang the capability to strike back.