Kim Jong Un Commissions Second Nuclear-Capable Destroyer, Vows Overwhelming Force
North Korea commissioned its second 5,000-ton destroyer, the Kang Kon, as Kim Jong Un pledged to build overwhelming military power.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has commissioned a second advanced naval destroyer, the Kang Kon, at a ceremony in the eastern port city of Wonsan. The event, which took place on Sunday, was attended by Kim, his wife Ri Sol Ju, and his teenage daughter, who is considered a likely heir by South Korea's intelligence service.
The Kang Kon joins the Choe Hyon, which was commissioned in June. Both are 5,000-ton destroyers equipped with nuclear-capable missiles, marking them as the most advanced warships in North Korea's fleet.
In a speech at the ceremony, Kim stated that the nuclearization of the navy has been realized, making its deterrent capabilities more diversified and operational. He stressed the need to deploy the country's most powerful strategic assets to critical waters to defend maritime sovereignty and contribute to regional security. Kim also asserted that North Korea would exercise its right to self-defense and respond to threats as necessary.
The commissioning comes as the United States, South Korea, and Japan began their five-day Freedom Edge trilateral exercise on Monday, off South Korea's southern Jeju island. South Korea's military described the exercise as defensive, aimed at enhancing joint response capabilities against North Korean nuclear threats.
Last week, North Korea's Foreign Ministry accused the US of expressing a confrontational posture, citing the upcoming exercise and reported US comments on maintaining a commitment to denuclearization. The development follows the early conclusion of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise between the US and South Korea, which was scaled back after President Donald Trump ordered a substantial reduction, citing his relationship with Kim.