The submarine could significantly escalate security concerns on the Korean peninsula and in the Taiwan Strait, experts say North Korea's construction of a nuclear-powered submarine could significantly escalate security concerns on the peninsula and in the Taiwan Strait,

North Korea has released the first images of its under-construction nuclear-powered submarine, which is likely being built with assistance from Russia. The nuclear-powered submarine can pose a major threat to Pyongyang’s immediate neighbor,

North Korea has long vied for nuclear-powered submarines, which would allow it to fire missiles from underwater. Advanced detection of the weapons is difficult, making the country’s construction of the warships worrisome.

North Korea has unveiled for the first time what it says is a nuclear-powered submarine under construction, a weapons system that can pose a major security threat to South Korea and the US.

Kim Jong Un is aiming to increase North Korea's nuclear weapons capability as the U.S. remains cautious about the country's alliance with Russia in the Ukraine war.

North Korea currently has an estimated 70 to 90 submarines, but most are old and can only launch torpedoes and mines, not missiles.

Last week's accidental shelling of a South Korean village occurred less than 20 miles from the border of the nuclear-armed North.