North Korea allegedly received decommissioned components of a nuclear submarine installation from Russia — a reactor, turbine, and cooling system. This was reported by Korea Joongang Daily, citing South Korean intelligence.
According to several officials, Russia allegedly transferred two to three modules of nuclear submarines to North Korea in the first half of 2025. This means that Pyongyang likely received an entire installation, including a functioning reactor.
A source in the South Korean government stated that since 2024, North Korea "has persistently requested modern fighter jets and access to nuclear submarine creation technologies from Russia."
Pyongyang considers the construction of nuclear submarines a national priority. Possession of such a fleet will complete the formation of the country's nuclear forces.
Lee Chun-Geun, a researcher at the Institute for Science and Technology Policy, stated that North Korea "could reverse-engineer the Russian reactor by launching it on land." And if Moscow actually transferred the components of the nuclear installation, this would lead to new sanctions against North Korea.
Russian officials have not reported the transfer of any technologies related to nuclear weapons and nuclear energy to North Korea. At the same time, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia "understands the reasons why they (North Koreans) are implementing their nuclear program."