North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued a directive to bolster the nation’s naval capabilities significantly. He proposes constructing two large warships annually over the next five years.
During a commissioning ceremony for a newly minted destroyer, Kim expressed his ambitions for North Korea to construct two warships each year. These ships would be on par with the 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class vessel, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The event, held at the port of Nampho, marked the deployment of the new multipurpose destroyer. Back in April, Kim had witnessed the ship launch two cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles.
The destroyer has successfully passed a series of rigorous military operational tests over the previous 14 months, according to reports from KCNA.
In an event on April 12, North Korean state media noted that the Choe Hyon destroyer launched two cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP)
Kim previously hailed the development of the Choe Hyon as a major step toward expanding the operational reach and preemptive strike capabilities of North Korea’s military.
Kim also said the navy’s nuclearization is “advancing along its own course,” contributing to the country’s nuclear deterrence.
The naval buildup comes as Kim seeks to strengthen what analysts have long viewed as one of the weaker branches of North Korea’s military.
The new multipurpose destroyer Choe Hyon during its commissioning ceremony at Nampho port, North Korea, Tuesday. (KCNA via REUTERS)
KCNA reported that Kim intends to deploy another 5,000-ton destroyer, the Kang Kon, along with larger 10,000-ton strategic warships.
The Kang Kon was first unveiled in May of last year but was damaged during a failed launch at the northern port city of Chongjin. The vessel was later relaunched following repairs.
By adding new capabilities, North Korea’s navy would become “something incredible beyond imagination,” Kim said.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during the commissioning ceremony of the new multipurpose destroyer Choe Hyon at Nampho port, North Korea, Tuesday. (KCNA via Reuters)
“Building a modernized naval base has emerged as a desperate and essential task,” he added.
State media reported that Kim is also reviewing plans to construct new naval bases.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observes strategic cruise and anti-warship missiles test-fired from the destroyer Choe Hyon, April 12. (Korean Central News Agency/Reuters)
Speaking during a meeting of the Workers’ Party’s Central Committee on Monday, Kim said the navy would undergo changes to its status, role and scope of operations.
He did not elaborate on what those changes would entail.