SLBM

“Golf” class SSB. By Anynobody – Own work, GFDL, Link

My latest at the National Interest looks into the question of North Korea’s pursuit of submarine-launched ballistic missiles:

What is the status of North Korea’s submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) program? SLBMs are the classic second-strike insurance program; even if the homeland is incinerated, submarines hiding in the deep can retaliate against a nuclear attack. North Korea, a state of limited means with a limited nuclear arsenal, could use SLBMs to deter a preventative U.S. attack. Conversely, North Korea’s missile submarines could offer the opportunity for a preemptive attack against Japan or the United States.