North Korea: Kim Unveils New Warship, Vows Navy Expansion Ahead of Xi's Visit
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw sea trials of a newly repaired 5,000-ton destroyer, the Kang Kon, following a failed launch last year. State media reported that Kim vowed to rapidly develop a nuclear-armed navy, emphasizing its role in the country's defense strategy. During the visit, he was accompanied by his teenage daughter, believed to be Kim Ju Ae, who South Korean officials suggest may be groomed as his successor, highlighting the focus on military expansion ahead of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit.
Kim stated that the navy is central to a new five-year defense plan approved at a recent ruling party congress. This plan includes constructing larger 10,000-ton-class destroyers and developing undisclosed "underwater secret weapons." The Korean Central News Agency did not mention direct remarks about Washington or Seoul, but the announcement comes amid ongoing tensions over North Korea's nuclear ambitions and stalled diplomacy. Xi's visit marks an effort by Beijing to strengthen ties with its nuclear-armed neighbor.
In recent years, Kim has prioritized relations with Russia, supporting Moscow's war in Ukraine through troop deployments and military equipment. Xi's trip was confirmed shortly after North Korea unveiled a new uranium-enrichment facility for nuclear fuel production, which Kim described as a step to exponentially expand nuclear forces. Experts view this move as an attempt to solidify North Korea's nuclear state status before Xi's arrival.
The Kang Kon is the second of two destroyers unveiled last year, following the Choe Hyon, which Kim hailed as a milestone for expanding military capabilities. These ships are designed to carry various weapons, including anti-aircraft and anti-ship systems plus nuclear-capable missiles, though some experts question their operational effectiveness. The Kang Kon was damaged during a botched launch in May of last year, leading to Kim's furious reaction, calling it "criminal." After repairs, it was relaunched in June, but doubts remain about its full operability, and Kim has called for building two more similar destroyers.