Charged Affairs:
In nuclear deterrence, the delivery system is just as important as the bombs themselves. Of the three primary systems, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and air-dropped bombs, a submarine ballistic missile force is the best card to have due to their stealth, survivability, and endurance. While North Korea has made great strides with their most recent missile test, they are still a long way from possessing a robust submarine deterrent. Even so, the US should recognize that this will pose a threat if development accelerates, and thus should be prepared to address North Korea’s submarine program as part of any denuclearization talks.
