New photos show North Korea's apparent progress in the development of a nuclear-powered submarine as Kim Jong Un condemns South Korea's efforts.

North Korea's state media released photos Thursday of what it said was the hull of a nuclear submarine. Its leader denounced South Korea's plans to build its own subs as "an offensive act."

North Korea displayed apparent progress in the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine, with state media photos showing a largely completed hull as leader Kim Jong Un condemned rival South Korea’s

The debut followed the North’s first test of a new surface-to-air missile and the arrival of a U.S. nuclear-powered attack sub for a port call in South Korea.

KCNA said the leader inspected the construction of what North Korea describes as an 8,700-ton-class nuclear-propelled submarine. The vessel has previously been described by the regime as a “strategic guided missile submarine” or a “strategic nuclear attack submarine,” indicating it is intended to carry nuclear weapons.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed construction of a submarine with his daughter, a potential heir, and oversaw the test-firing of long-range surface-to-air missiles, state media reported on Thursday.

North Korea showed Kim Jong-un at a "nuclear submarine" site; analysts: it aims to justify its nuclear push and cast Seoul's sub debate as a threat.

Kim Jong Un unveils a new 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine, escalating tensions in the Pacific. Learn how this stealth technology changes the global security balance.

A nuclear-powered submarine was one item on a wish list of sophisticated weaponry that Kim Jong-un announced during a political conference in 2021. Other arms included solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missiles,

Former People Power Party lawmaker Thae Yong-ho said Monday that N. Korea is likely to build a nuclear-powered submarine before S. Korea.