Key Facts
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled ambitious plans to build a nuclear-armed navy, including 10,000-ton warships. The announcement came during the commissioning of the 5,000-ton class warship 'Choe Hyon' in the port city of Nampo on Tuesday, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Details of the Announcement
Speaking at the ceremony, Kim Jong Un stated that the programme of equipping the navy with nuclear weapons is proceeding as planned. He emphasized that this strategic course is crucial for maintaining the nuclear force's readiness for multifaceted and efficient operations. The Choe Hyon, one of two 5,000-ton warships launched last year, is already equipped with powerful weapons. Kim has inspected similar vessels multiple times this year, including overseeing a cruise missile test from the Choe Hyon in April.
Future Plans
Kim outlined a timeline for future naval expansion: after the Choe Hyon, the destroyer 'Kang Kon' will soon be commissioned, followed by a series of 10,000-ton strategic warships. Under his scheme, North Korea aims to build two surface ships annually, each class higher than the Choe Hyon, including a 10,000-ton cruiser.
Impact and Context
This announcement comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. At a three-day party plenary meeting that concluded on Monday, Kim vowed to strengthen defence capabilities, citing military modernisation by South Korea and the United States as pushing the region to the brink of nuclear war. Pyongyang has declared itself an irreversible nuclear state since the failed 2019 summit between Kim and then-US President Donald Trump. The North remains under multiple sanctions for its nuclear programme, and the two Koreas are technically still at war, as the 1950-53 conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty.
What Readers Should Know
- North Korea is accelerating its naval nuclear capabilities.
- The Choe Hyon is a 5,000-ton warship, with plans for larger 10,000-ton vessels.
- Kim Jong Un aims to build two major surface ships each year.
- The move is framed as a response to US-South Korea military cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kim Jong Un announce about the navy?
Kim Jong Un announced plans to build 10,000-ton strategic warships and equip the navy with nuclear weapons.
Which warship was commissioned?
The 5,000-ton class warship 'Choe Hyon' was commissioned in Nampo.
How many warships does North Korea plan to build each year?
North Korea plans to build two surface ships annually, including a 10,000-ton cruiser.
Source: www.ndtv.com