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.

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.

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

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 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 touted its progress in building a nuclear-powered submarine, releasing photos through state media on Thursday showing a largely completely vessel. The official Korean Central News

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.

Analysts in Seoul say suspicions of Russian assistance are difficult to dismiss. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

North Korea on Thursday released new images of what it claims is its first nuclear-powered submarine, a massive vessel equal in size to some of the United States Navy’s attack subs.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has hit out at a new nuclear submarine deal between the United States and South Korea, describing it as a threat to the stability of the Korean Peninsula as he toured his country’s submarine production facility, according to North Korean state media.