Kim Jong Un inspects naval destroyer, mentions plan for 10,000-ton ship

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, has inspected the naval destroyer 'Kang Gam' and observed its sea trials, according to state media reports. The vessel, which had previously been involved in a capsizing incident, is undergoing operational capability assessments.

During his visit on April 4, Kim reviewed the ship's comprehensive command center and other combat spaces. He also examined the sea trial plan and the schedule for testing the vessel's weapon systems. State media quoted Kim as praising the ship's "highly excellent maneuverability" in both cruising and high-speed modes, stating it meets operational requirements.

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Its maneuverability in cruising and high-speed modes is highly excellent and can satisfy operational requirements.

Kim reportedly provided directives for improving the ship's control systems to better suit North Korean conditions. The visit also touched upon broader naval modernization efforts, including the development and production of underwater weapons as part of a five-year plan. Notably, Kim mentioned plans to construct a 10,000-ton destroyer, a significant scale for North Korea's shipbuilding capabilities, marking the first public mention of such a project.

This inspection comes after the 'Kang Gam' capsized during its launch ceremony in May of the previous year. At the time, Kim had strongly condemned the incident as a "serious, grave accident and criminal act." Despite the earlier mishap, North Korea proceeded with a second launch ceremony just 22 days later, though questions had persisted regarding the ship's operational status.

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A serious, grave accident and criminal act.