Large patches of rust can be seen on the sides and top of the submarine, which is thought to be a 1,800-ton Soviet built submersible from the 1950s.

North Korean expert Aidan Foster-Carter, Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Leeds University, expressed surprise at the release of the picture, saying: “Normally they tart stuff up”.

The photo opportunity comes after Kim Jong-un was pictured smiling and joking on a construction site – just days after the collapse of a Pyongyang apartment building killed hundreds of people.

“The commanding officers and seamen should clearly see through the motives of the hateful enemies watching for a chance to invade our land and put spurs to combat preparations, thinking about battles only.”

However, South Korea appeared undaunted by the release of the pictures.

Defence ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok said: “It appears that Pyongyang aims to show off its submarine might, but the submarines that our Navy holds are far superior, as ours do not make much noise and it can stay underwater far longer.”

Source – Express