"Both South Korea and US intelligence authorities made the assessment that North Korea has already finished building the 3,000-tonne submarine unveiled in July 2019", sources told Yonhap.
According to the agency, the news comes from a US think tank that said North Korea had moved a submersible missile test barge to a new position, likely hinting at an upcoming submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test to take place.
US and South Korea Reportedly Believe Pyongyang Soon to Launch Its First Ballistic Missile Submarine
© REUTERS / KCNA
"The authorities assess that North Korea is reviewing the right timing to roll out the submarine for a strategic effect, including maximising pressure against the United States", said a source, as quoted by Yonhap.
According to the US think tank, this would be North Korea's first true ballistic missile submarine.
During an annual military parade late last year, Pyongyang showcased a beefed-up nuclear-capable missiles arsenal, with upgraded SLBMs as the main addition.