N. Korea building new warships on both coasts: NK News

North Korea has commenced the construction of two new warships, according to satellite imagery cited by NK News, a U.S. news outlet. The vessels are being built at the Nampho and Chongjin Shipyards, one on each coast. At the Nampho Shipyard, large hull sections have been staged and assembled since early July, suggesting the ship may be the North's first 10,000-ton cruiser, though confirmation is pending.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had previously announced plans to build such cruisers in June. Meanwhile, at the Chongjin Shipyard, the construction of a warship only became apparent in mid-August, with imagery showing red ship hull materials being assembled. The ship's purpose is uncertain, but it could potentially be the North's planned second destroyer, the fourth of the 5,000-ton class, or a 10,000-ton cruiser.

In addition to the new vessels, upgrades are being carried out at both shipyards following Kim Jong-un's directive at a Central Military Commission meeting in July emphasizing the need for military strengthening.