Russia could have given North Korea a nuclear reactor for a submarine, media reports

South Korean intelligence has received information that Russia has transferred modules of a nuclear power plant for submarines to the DPRK.

These modules include a reactor, turbine and cooling system – the main components of a nuclear propulsion system, reports Korea JoongAng Daily.

According to information, the modules were taken from decommissioned Russian submarines and transferred to the DPRK in the first half of 2025. This may mean that North Korea has received ready-made technology for the first time that it could not create independently.

If the information is confirmed, this will be a serious violation of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and could lead to new international sanctions against Moscow and Pyongyang.

South Korea has already shared intelligence with the US and its allies.

USM previously reported that the US, South Korea and Japan are working out scenarios to counter the DPRK’s missile threats.