North Korea has launched a new 5,000-ton destroyer developed in line with the goal of increasing its naval power.
According to the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the launching ceremony of the giant warship at Nampo Port.
In his speech at the ceremony, Kim stated that his country’s armament move and the new destroyer launched in this context are a response to the increasing military exercises of the United States and its allies in Asia.
Emphasizing that the new destroyer, named after former North Korean Defense Minister Choe Hyon, will be delivered to the North Korean navy in early 2026 and begin active service, Kim said that the next step in efforts to strengthen the North Korean navy is to acquire a nuclear submarine.
Describing the expanded joint exercises and updated nuclear deterrence strategies of the US and South Korea as preparations for war, Kim said, “We will resolutely respond to this geopolitical crisis and developments.”
On the other hand, it is stated that the new destroyer, which is described as “multi-purpose”, can be equipped with ballistic and cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, as well as air defense and naval combat systems.
Source: AA