North Korean leader Kim Jong-un unveiled a new 5,000-ton naval destroyer Friday at a ceremony in the port city of Nampo, describing the vessel as a significant advancement in the country's nuclear strike capabilities and vowing decisive responses to what he called escalating threats from the United States and its allies.
The new ship, named Choe Hyon after a deceased anti-Japanese fighter, was introduced at a launch event attended by Kim's daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who state media have increasingly presented as his possible successor. Kim claimed the destroyer is equipped with "anti-aircraft, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-ballistic missile capabilities, as well as supersonic strategic cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles," according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Framing the expansion as a defensive necessity, Kim said, "If the U.S. continues to renew its record in the protests of military power, we will have no choice but to renew it in the exercise of strategic deterrence." He further warned that strong preemptive strike capabilities were the most "convincing war deterrent," adding there would be "no limit to the scope of such attacks."
State media reported that the vessel was built in 400 days and is intended to operate with a range of advanced systems. Analysts suggest it could house dozens of vertical launch cells capable of firing guided missiles, potentially armed with nuclear warheads.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled a new 5,000-ton destroyer at the port of Nampo, declaring it will enhance the country's strike range and nuclear capabilities. Kim stated that the next step for North Korea's military is the development of a nuclear-powered… pic.twitter.com/7o0yzCXN4h — DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) April 26, 2025
South Korea's military has not immediately commented on the unveiling. However, regional tensions have sharply risen as the United States and South Korea expanded joint military exercises and updated nuclear deterrence strategies, moves Kim characterized as preparations for war against North Korea.
The new destroyer follows Pyongyang's March announcement of a purported nuclear-powered submarine under construction. Some Western experts have questioned North Korea's ability to achieve such advancements independently, citing the country's economic isolation and resource constraints.
Kim's foreign policy has increasingly shifted toward closer alignment with Russia. U.S. and South Korean officials have accused North Korea of supplying weapons and personnel to assist Russia's military operations in Ukraine, raising concerns that Moscow may, in return, transfer advanced technology and economic support to Pyongyang.
