North Korea and Russian modules for nuclear submarines

Did Russia cross the "red line" and break the NPT rules? According to world media, Moscow donated North Korea's nuclear gym modules from withdrawn submarines. If the information is confirmed, for Pyongyang it would mean a technological breakthrough, for the world – a new wave of tensions around nuclear safety.

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South Korean intelligence sources are analyzing information that has hit world media headlines. According to these reports, Russia was to pass on in the first half of 2025 North Korea key elements for the construction of nuclear-powered submarines. The case was first made public by the journal "JoongAng Daily".

OOP gym modules and North Korea ambitions (KRLD)

According to sources quoted by the South Korean press, Pjongjang was to receive two or three nuclear gym modules from Moscow's withdrawn nuclear-powered submarines. These included nuclear reactors, turbines and cooling systems. The case is verified by South Korean military intelligence services. If the information is confirmed, this would mean a breakthrough in North Korea's technological capabilities, which has not yet had the ability to stand alone. construction of a nuclear gym for ships.

The development of nuclear submarines is a priority for the Kim Jong Un regime, as units of this class increase nuclear deterrence capacity and can carry weapons of destruction capable of impacting within the United States. Government sources in Seoul claim that as early as 2024 North Korea "insistently asked" Russia to transfer technology in this area and to supply modern combat aircraft.

Russia, North Korea and the consequences for the NPT

According to South Korean analysts, any transfer would violate UNSCR 1718 and subsequent sanctions against the DPRK and undermine the NPT regime. In practice, this would mean exceeding the so-called "red line" and could result in the imposition of new restrictions on Moscow by states and organisations ready to introduce unilateral measures.

At the same time, the Seoul authorities stress that the information is still being verified. South Korean Defence Intelligence Command indicated that it "carefully monitors the situation" in connection with the increasing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.

NPT – the history and pillar of global nuclear security

And here, let me take a short journey back to the Cold War. It was then – the agreement opened for signature on 1 July 1968, and entered into force on 5 March 1970 – the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Agreement was formed, one of the foundations of the post-war order. The document was to stop a nuclear race that threatened to get out of control and led the world to the brink of disaster. Its uniqueness It was that almost all the countries of the world agreed to common restrictions – those who already owned weapons promised not to share technology, those who did not have it, committed not to follow this path. The agreement became a symbol of the fragile compromises of the nuclear era and a basis for further attempts to control arms, such as START or nuclear test ban agreements.

However, the history of North Korea shows how easily this system can be undermined. Pyongyang joined the NPT in 1985, leaving the treaty several years later, launching his own nuclear program. Nuclear trials and the development of ballistic missiles have made North Korea one of the biggest challenges for the non-proliferation regime. If reports are confirmed of Russia's delivery of nuclear gym components to North Korean submarines, it will not only violate its obligations to UN sanctions, but also blow into the foundations of the system, which has hampered the avalanche increase in nuclear arsenals for decades.

Cooperation with Russia and North Korea's technological breakthrough

Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, North Korea has become an important partner in arms supply for Moscow. According to South Korean intelligence sources, since the fall of 2024, there have been 11 to 14,000 North Korean soldiers stationed in the Kursk area supporting Russian actions against Ukraine. Estimates of losses among these forces are diverging – from several hundred dead in the initial phase of presence to about 2,000 victims according to the newer data cited by Yonhap. In exchange for sending the Pyongyang quota, he was to receive economic aid from Moscow and access to selected military technologies.

The possible acquisition of Russian nuclear gym components by Pyongyang would be a turning point in the development of the North Korean submarine program. Thanks to reverse engineering, it could acquire the knowledge needed to develop its own vessel solutions in a short time, which would strengthen its ability to deter and increase tension in west of Indo-Pacific.

Technical framework: how to understand "nuclear power plant" in Russian OOPs

In Russian strategic submarines project 955A Borej-A a nuclear power plant with a reactor type OK-650W is used to supply steam turbines coupled with a tunnelled propulsor (pump-jet). This system includes a nuclear reactor, steam machinery and auxiliary systems, including cooling systems.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz