SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a navigation test of the Kang Kon destroyer and called for strengthening the country’s naval combat capabilities and nuclear deterrence, state media reported on Saturday.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim, accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae, boarded the destroyer on Thursday to inspect its maneuverability and operational readiness.
During the visit, Kim said building a powerful navy capable of contributing to North Korea’s nuclear deterrent and conducting operations “under the water or on the water” remains a key objective of the ruling Workers’ Party’s five-year defense development plan.
He expressed confidence that naval modernization goals, including the development of what he described as “underwater secret weapons” and the construction of 10,000-ton destroyers, would be achieved.
Kim also ordered the commissioning of both the Kang Kon and Choe Hyon destroyers as soon as possible.
The 5,000-ton Kang Kon destroyer was damaged during its initial launch attempt in May 2025 when it tipped over, prompting Kim to criticize the incident as a result of “absolute carelessness” and “irresponsibility.”
The vessel was later transferred from Chongjin to the Rajin shipyard for repairs and was officially relaunched in June 2025.
North Korea also launched the 5,000-ton Choe Hyon destroyer in April 2025. The warship is named after a prominent anti-Japanese fighter.
Source: Saudi Gazette