A former commander of U.S. Forces Korea expressed worry Tuesday that North Korea will soon launch a new ballistic missile submarine.

Retired Gen. Walter Sharp’s remark comes after North Korea’s Central Military Commission discussed “new policies” to bolster the country’s nuclear deterrence and develop its armed forces.

The May meeting, presided over by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, drew fresh attention to the 3,000-ton submarine under construction, with South Korean military and intelligence officials saying it appears almost ready to be deployed. The submarine is believed to be capable of carrying three ballistic missiles.