The announcement came amid fears that Pyongyang may be receiving crucial military technology from Russia in return for sending troops and weapons for its war against Ukraine.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was reported to be inspecting a project to build a nuclear-powered submarine, state media reported Saturday.

Kim Jong Un is aiming to increase North Korea's nuclear weapons capability as the U.S. remains cautious about the country's alliance with Russia in the Ukraine war.

North Korea currently has an estimated 70 to 90 submarines, but most are old and can only launch torpedoes and mines, not missiles.

North Korea unveiled for the first time a nuclear-powered submarine under construction, a weapons system that can pose a major security threat to South Korea and the U.S. The state media agency on Saturday released photos showing what it called “a nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine,