North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has revealed a new naval destroyer, marking a notable progression in his campaign to enhance the operational reach and preemptive strike capacity of his nuclear-armed forces. The announcement was made during a launching ceremony held on Friday at the port of Nampo, located on North Korea’s western coast, according to the country’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The newly commissioned warship, described as a “multi-purpose” destroyer, weighs in at 5,000 tons and is being touted as the inaugural vessel of a new class of heavily armed naval ships. North Korean state media reported that this destroyer is equipped to deploy a variety of weapons systems, ranging from anti-air and anti-ship missiles to nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. Kim Jong Un announced that the warship will be formally handed over to the Korean People’s Navy early in the coming year, at which point it is expected to enter active service.
During his remarks, Kim framed the military expansion as a defensive response to what he described as escalating threats from the United States and its regional allies. He referenced recent increases in joint military exercises in Asia carried out by the US and South Korea, suggesting these moves constitute preparations for conflict. In this context, Kim pledged to respond decisively to the “geopolitical crisis and ongoing developments.” He also indicated that the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine would be the next substantial advancement in bolstering North Korea’s naval strength.
South Korean military representatives have yet to issue comments regarding the new destroyer or North Korea’s earlier announcement in March of a nuclear-powered submarine reportedly under construction. Some defence analysts remain sceptical about North Korea’s capability to independently develop such sophisticated naval technology, given the country’s economic challenges and international isolation, although the possibility of foreign assistance cannot be discounted.
The unveiling of this warship forms part of a broader agenda outlined by Kim Jong Un at a major political conference in 2021. At that time, he committed to developing an array of advanced weaponry including nuclear-powered submarines, solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, spy satellites, and multiple warhead missiles. Since then, North Korea has conducted multiple tests aimed at materialising these ambitions.
Tensions in the region have remained high as Kim continues to openly display his nuclear capabilities and seeks closer ties with Russia, especially in the context of Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. While former US President Donald Trump had proposed renewed diplomatic talks with Kim, resulting in three meetings during his term, negotiations eventually faltered over disagreements related to sanctions and denuclearisation measures. Meanwhile, there has been rising concern among South Korean officials about North Korea’s support for Russia through arms supplies and personnel, alongside fears that Pyongyang may receive economic assistance and advanced military technologies in return, potentially accelerating its weapons development programmes.
This latest development underscores ongoing military advancements by North Korea amidst a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape in East Asia.
Source: Noah Wire Services