North Korea’s Kim Jong Un sharply criticized a new nuclear submarine agreement between the United States and South Korea, calling it a direct threat to regional security.

The comments came as Kim inspected a domestic submarine facility and oversaw missile tests.

According to North Korean state media KCNA, Kim described the deal as an “offensive act severely violating [Pyongyang’s] security and maritime sovereignty.” He called the pact a “threat to security that must be countered” and signaled an urgent push to strengthen North Korea’s naval and nuclear capabilities.

During his inspection, Kim toured a facility where Pyongyang is developing an “8,700-tonnage nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine,” highlighting the country’s ambitions to modernize its naval forces.

Missile tests reinforce Pyongyang’s capabilities

Kim also oversaw the successful test firing of a new high-altitude, long-range anti-air missile into the Sea of Japan, referred to as the East Sea of Korea by KCNA. The missile reportedly hit a mock target at an altitude of 200 kilometers (124 miles), demonstrating North Korea’s growing missile capabilities.

Background

Seoul is pursuing a “standalone deal” with Washington to acquire nuclear-powered submarine technology. While U.S. law bans the transfer of nuclear material for military use, South Korea could potentially receive an exemption from President Donald Trump.

Australia has previously secured a similar deal with the U.S., and South Korea is expected to begin talks with Washington early next year, according to national security adviser Wi Sung-lac.

Russia and North Korea

In a separate development, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent Kim a New Year’s greeting, praising North Korea’s military support for Russia in Ukraine. Since 2024, Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to fight alongside Russian forces.

Putin hailed the 2024 “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty between Moscow and Pyongyang and expressed hopes to further strengthen bilateral cooperation on regional and international issues.