North Korean leader Kim Jong Un used a naval commissioning ceremony on Tuesday to call for a significant buildout of the country’s fleet, urging the production of two large warships annually over the next five years.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim said North Korea should construct two vessels each year comparable in scale to the 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class destroyer, underscoring his push to expand the navy’s role in the regime’s broader military strategy.
The remarks came as Kim marked the deployment of a new multipurpose destroyer at the port of Nampho. In April, he watched as the vessel carried out launches of two cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles.
KCNA reported that the destroyer had completed 14 months of military operational testing before entering service.
North Korea launched two cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles from the destroyer Choe Hyon on April 12, according to North Korean state media. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP)
Kim has previously described the Choe Hyon’s development as an important milestone in extending North Korea’s operational reach and improving its military’s preemptive strike capabilities.
He also said the “nuclearization” of the navy is continuing on its own track and is playing a role in strengthening the country’s nuclear deterrent.
The renewed emphasis on shipbuilding reflects Kim’s effort to upgrade a naval force that outside analysts have often regarded as one of the less advanced branches of North Korea’s military.
The new multipurpose destroyer Choe Hyon during its commissioning ceremony at Nampho port, North Korea, Tuesday. (KCNA via REUTERS)
KCNA reported that Kim intends to deploy another 5,000-ton destroyer, the Kang Kon, along with larger 10,000-ton strategic warships.
The Kang Kon was first unveiled in May of last year but was damaged during a failed launch at the northern port city of Chongjin. The vessel was later relaunched following repairs.
By adding new capabilities, North Korea’s navy would become “something incredible beyond imagination,” Kim said.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during the commissioning ceremony of the new multipurpose destroyer Choe Hyon at Nampho port, North Korea, Tuesday. (KCNA via Reuters)
“Building a modernized naval base has emerged as a desperate and essential task,” he added.
State media reported that Kim is also reviewing plans to construct new naval bases.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observes strategic cruise and anti-warship missiles test-fired from the destroyer Choe Hyon, April 12. (Korean Central News Agency/Reuters)
Speaking during a meeting of the Workers’ Party’s Central Committee on Monday, Kim said the navy would undergo changes to its status, role and scope of operations.
He did not elaborate on what those changes would entail.
