North Korea’s Kim says new destroyer will be part of nuclear response system
Kim Jong Un accelerates efforts to modernise the navy while pursuing broader expansion of the country’s nuclear-capable forces.
SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that the country's newest 5,000-tonne-class destroyer, the Kang Kon, would be a crucial part of its nuclear response system. The vessel, which entered service on Sunday during a commissioning ceremony in Wonsan, could potentially launch devastating counter-strikes, according to state media KCNA.
While the exact weaponry on board the Kang Kon remains undisclosed, KCNA stated that the destroyer shares similar weapons capabilities with its predecessor, the Choe Hyon. Analysts believe that the Choe Hyon-class destroyers are capable of carrying nuclear payloads.
Kim emphasized that the deployment of the Kang Kon to the east of the Korean Peninsula signaled North Korea's strengthened sovereignty in both sea and underwater domains. He stated that the nation would continue to bolster its strategic assets, particularly in key waters, to safeguard its maritime security and regional stability.
Kim hinted at further naval advancements within the next eight months, without providing specific details. He also highlighted that the construction of naval bases on North Korea's eastern coast was underway, along with the creation of new naval units and development of additional warship classes.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- N. Korea commissions nuclear-capable naval destroyer Kang Kon en.yna.co.kr
- North Korea’s Kim says new destroyer will be part of nuclear response system freemalaysiatoday.com
- North Korea’s Kim Jong Un says new destroyer will be part of nuclear response system dailymaverick.co.za
- N. Korea commissions nuclear-capable naval destroyer Kang Kon koreatimes.co.kr
