Kim Jong Un Vows to Equip North Korea’s Navy With Nuclear Weapons

Kim Jong Un has promised to give North Korea’s navy nuclear weapons, calling for its combat systems to be prepared for a real war. He made the remarks on Sunday at a ceremony in the port city of Wonsan, according to state news agency KCNA.

The ceremony marked the relaunch of the Kang Kon, a military ship that had partially sunk. Kim said North Korea needed to develop its navy into a nuclear-armed force capable of operating a diversified nuclear combat system effectively.

"We must ensure that the diversified and effective operation of our nuclear combat systems is prepared for a real war by developing our navy into a nuclear-armed force," Kim said, according to KCNA. He added that new-generation destroyers should deliver retaliatory strikes against enemies as part of the state’s nuclear response system.

His statements came before maritime exercises involving the United States, Japan and South Korea. The drills are intended to rehearse a response to North Korean military threats and are scheduled to continue through Friday in international waters east and south of South Korea’s Jeju Island.

KCNA images showed Kim accompanied by his daughter, Ju Ae, who is considered his designated successor. The exercises are proceeding despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to scale back other drills with South Korea in August because he said they could affect his relationship with Kim.

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We must ensure that the diversified and effective operation of our nuclear combat systems is prepared for a real war by developing our navy into a nuclear-armed force.