Kim Jong Un has unveiled a nuclear-capable naval destroyer that he says will bolster North Korea‘s ability to defend itself in the face of perceived aggression from the US and its regional allies.
The North Korean leader attended the warship’s launch ceremony at the western port of Nampo on Friday with his teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae, according to state-run media.
Ju Ae has been widely regarded by analysts as the likely successor to Kim since she was referred to as a ‘great person of guidance’ in an official report last year.
Kim said the 5,000-ton vessel would bolster efforts to expand the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military.
The ‘multi-purpose’ destroyer, designed to handle a variety of arms including nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, was touted as the first in a new class of heavily armed warships.
Kim, who has framed the arms buildup as a response to the supposed danger posed by the US and its allies in Asia, said the destroyer would be handed over to the navy early next year before beginning active duty.
Jo Chun Ryong, a secretary in the ruling Workers’ party, claimed the ship was equipped with the ‘most powerful weapons’ and was built ‘within 400-odd days’.
Kim also took aim at efforts by the US and South Korea to expand joint military exercises and update their nuclear deterrence strategies, which he portrayed as preparations for war.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is seen with his daughter Kim Ju Ae a ceremony at the western port of Nampo for the launch of a nuclear-capable naval destroyer
According to state media, Kim has said the 5,000-ton vessel will bolster efforts to expand the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military
Kim waves as he and Ju Ae are seen at the official launch ceremony for the warship
He vowed to ‘respond decisively to this geopolitical crisis and ongoing developments,’ the Korean Central News Agency reported.
There was no immediate comment from South Korea’s military on the revelation of the new warship.
The development follows news last month that North Korea is constructing a submarine capable of carrying 10 nuclear missiles that could be launched at the US.
While the ability of the impoverished and largely isolated nation to develop such advanced capabilities without foreign assistance has been questioned by experts, Kim has regularly flaunted his military nuclear capabilities.
Donald Trump tried unsuccessfully during his first term as US president to broker a deal that would have seen US-led sanctions eased in return for denuclearisation.
Kim has since aligned ever more closely with Russia over President Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine.
Nuclear-powered submarines were among a broad array of advanced weapons Kim pledged to develop at a major political conference in 2021.
His wish list also included solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, spy satellites and multi-warhead missiles.
North Korea has since conducted a series of tests aimed at acquiring these capabilities, increasing regional tensions.
There has been no response from North Korea to a pledge from Trump that he would attempt to rekindle diplomatic relations.
