North Korea plans to equip its navy with nuclear weapons and build larger warships as part of an ambitious military expansion programme, leader Kim Jong Un said during a naval commissioning ceremony, according to state media on Wednesday.
Kim made the remarks while overseeing the commissioning of the Choe Hyon destroyer in the port city of Nampho. He said the country’s programme to arm its navy with nuclear capabilities was progressing as planned and would strengthen North Korea’s strategic deterrence.
The North Korean leader also announced plans to commission another destroyer, Kang Kon, before launching a series of 10,000-tonne strategic warships. He said Pyongyang aims to build two advanced surface combat ships every year, including a 10,000-tonne cruiser.
Military experts said the move highlights North Korea’s determination to boost its naval power and narrow the gap with regional rivals. South Korea currently operates more than 10 warships exceeding 5,000 tonnes, while North Korea has only two vessels in that class.
The announcement comes amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with Kim recently pledging to accelerate military modernisation. North Korea continues to expand its nuclear and weapons programmes despite international sanctions, insisting they are necessary to deter threats from the United States and South Korea.
