SouthernWorldwide.com – Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, has announced a significant initiative to bolster the nation’s naval capabilities, advocating for the construction of two large warships annually for the next five years.
This ambitious plan was revealed during a ceremony marking the commissioning of a new destroyer. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim suggested that North Korea should produce two warships of similar size to its existing 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class vessel each year over the coming half-decade.
The ceremony took place at the port of Nampho, where Kim was celebrating the deployment of the new multipurpose destroyer. Earlier this year, in April, he had overseen test launches of two cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles from this very vessel.
KCNA reported that the destroyer has successfully completed military operational tests over the preceding 14 months, underscoring its readiness.
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Previously, Kim had lauded the development of the Choe Hyon as a pivotal advancement in enhancing the operational reach and preemptive strike capabilities of North Korea’s armed forces.
Furthermore, Kim stated that the nuclearization of the navy is “advancing along its own course,” a development that is seen as a key contribution to the country’s overall nuclear deterrence strategy.
This push for naval expansion comes at a time when Kim is reportedly focused on strengthening what international analysts have long considered one of the less developed branches of North Korea’s military.
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KCNA also indicated that Kim plans to deploy another 5,000-ton destroyer, named Kang Kon, alongside larger strategic warships weighing 10,000 tons.
The Kang Kon was initially revealed in May of the previous year. However, it reportedly sustained damage during a failed launch attempt at the northern port city of Chongjin. Following necessary repairs, the vessel was later relaunched.
Kim expressed his belief that with the addition of these new capabilities, the North Korean navy would transform into “something incredible beyond imagination.”
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“Building a modernized naval base has emerged as a desperate and essential task,” he added, highlighting the critical need for infrastructure development to support the growing fleet.
State media also reported that Kim is currently reviewing proposals for the construction of new naval bases, suggesting a comprehensive approach to modernizing the navy.
During a meeting of the Workers’ Party’s Central Committee on Monday, Kim announced that the navy would undergo significant changes concerning its status, role, and the scope of its operations.
However, specific details regarding the nature of these transformative changes were not elaborated upon in the reports.
