North Korea’s Kim Jong Un says new destroyer will be part of nuclear response system

SEOUL, September 7 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that the country's newest destroyer will be integrated into its nuclear response system, potentially enabling it to launch devastating counter-attacks, according to state media KCNA. However, it remains unclear if the vessel will be armed with nuclear weapons. The modernization of North Korea's navy has accelerated under Kim's leadership as he expands the country's nuclear capabilities.

During the commissioning ceremony of the 5,000-ton-class destroyer "Kang Kon" in Wonsan, Kim emphasized the ship's deployment in the sea east of the Korean Peninsula, stating that it sends a clear message to North Korea's adversaries. He described the moment as when North Korea exercises its sovereignty at sea and underwater. The Kang Kon is the second warship of its class to enter service, following the commissioning of the "Choe Hyon" destroyer on North Korea's west coast approximately three months prior.

Kim claimed that North Korea's naval nuclear armaments are advancing, and the nation will continue to expand its most powerful strategic assets in crucial waters to safeguard maritime sovereignty and regional security. He added that the Kang Kon will be part of North Korea's state nuclear response system. While KCNA did not specify the weapons systems that might be deployed on the Kang Kon, the previous report mentioned that the Choe Hyon-class destroyers can carry various weapons, including missiles potentially capable of carrying nuclear payloads.

Kim pledged to showcase another phase of North Korea's naval expansion in eight months, but did not provide further details. Additionally, Kim stated that the construction of naval bases along North Korea's eastern coast is underway, and the country intends to establish new naval units and build different classes of warships.