Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the unveiling of a newly constructed 5,000-tonne multipurpose destroyer, according to a report released Saturday by state-run media outlet KCNA.
The warship, built entirely with domestic resources and technology in just over 400 days, was described as featuring “the most powerful weapons,” according to Jo Chun Ryong, a senior official within the ruling Workers’ Party.
In his remarks at the launch ceremony, Kim announced that the vessel will be officially commissioned into naval service early next year. The event took place on Friday at the Nampho military shipyard and was hailed by Vice-Admiral Pak Kwang Sop as the beginning of a new era in North Korean naval capabilities, referred to as the "Kim Jong Un-style fleet building."
The new destroyer has been designated the "Choe Hyon-class," named after a revolutionary figure from the country’s anti-Japanese resistance.
Kim emphasized the importance of pre-emptive strike capacity as a key element of North Korea’s defense strategy, calling it the most “reliable deterrent.” He described the regional security situation as highly unstable and thanked the workers and engineers who contributed to the project, saying the destroyer reflects the party’s goal of strengthening naval forces.
Kim also criticized the increasing presence of U.S. strategic assets in the region, referring to recent joint military exercises involving American B-1B bombers and South Korean forces. While North Korea views these drills as provocative, Seoul insists they are defensive in nature.
