North Korea claims to have launched new nuclear attack submarine

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during his visit to the naval headquarters in August (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP)

North Korea has launched a new nuclear attack submarine which has been under development for years, according to local media reports.

Leader Kim Jong Un described the new addition to his fleet as crucial in his plans to be ready to counter the naval might of the United States and its Asian allies at the vessel’s launching ceremony on Wednesday and an onboard inspection on Thursday.