North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says the country’s newest destroyer will form part of its nuclear response system and could launch devastating retaliatory strikes.
State media KCNA reported the remarks after Kim attended the ship’s commissioning ceremony in the eastern port city of Wonsan on Sunday.
However, North Korea did not confirm whether the new warship carries nuclear weapons.
Kang Kon Joins North Korea’s Navy
The 5,000-ton-class Kang Kon is the second destroyer of its class to enter service. North Korea commissioned the first vessel, the Choe Hyon, about three months ago on its western coast.
Kim described the Kang Kon as an offensive warship. He said it would serve as part of North Korea’s state nuclear counteraction system.
He also said the ship’s deployment to waters east of the Korean Peninsula sends a clear message to the country’s adversaries.
“The time has come for us to exercise our sovereignty at sea and under water,” Kim said, according to KCNA.
Nuclear-Capable Weapons
KCNA did not provide a detailed list of weapons carried by the Kang Kon. However, it said the ship has the same weapons systems as the Choe Hyon.
Earlier North Korean reports said the Choe Hyon-class destroyers can carry several types of missiles. Analysts have said some of those missiles could potentially carry nuclear warheads.
Therefore, the latest announcement signals a wider effort to give North Korea’s navy a role in its nuclear deterrence strategy.
Yonhap reported that North Korea also tested strategic cruise missiles and other weapons from the Kang Kon in July. Kim later ordered the ship to enter service within two months.
North Korea Plans More Naval Expansion
Kim said North Korea will continue to develop its naval forces and deploy powerful strategic assets in key waters.
He also announced plans to establish new naval units and build additional classes of warships.
Construction of naval bases on the country’s east coast is also under way, according to KCNA.
Kim further said he would reveal another stage of the country’s naval buildup within eight months. He did not provide details about the planned development.
North Korea has increasingly focused on expanding its naval forces alongside its broader nuclear and missile programs.
The deployment of the Kang Kon on the eastern coast gives Pyongyang another major naval platform as it seeks to strengthen its nuclear deterrence and maritime capabilities.
