North Korea commissions new 5,000-ton destroyer, eyes tactical nuclear armament for navy

North Korea has officially commissioned a new 5,000-ton class destroyer, named the 'Choi Hyun Ho', into its naval fleet. The vessel's official commissioning ceremony took place at Nampho Port on Monday, with leader Kim Jong Un attending, according to state media reports on Tuesday.

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Our new ships have obtained satisfactory final test results, possessing the most perfect and complex operational combat capabilities.

Kim Jong Un reportedly expressed satisfaction with the destroyer's performance during final tests, stating it possesses "the most perfect and complex operational combat capabilities." He specifically addressed the historical perception of the navy as the weakest branch of North Korea's armed forces, asserting that this situation has fundamentally changed. "The modern combat power of our navy will leap to a level beyond imagination in the future," Kim declared.

The North Korean leader further emphasized the strategic significance of enhancing the navy's capabilities, particularly through tactical nuclear armament. He stated that the navy is evolving into a core military branch equipped with powerful strategic assets. "Tactical nuclear armament of the navy is also precisely following its set milestones," Kim added, underscoring the nation's drive to advance its nuclear capabilities.

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The modern combat power of our navy will leap to a level beyond imagination in the future.

Kim Jong Un also pointed out the growing need for expanded naval facilities to berth the new, larger warships. He described this as a "happy problem" arising from rapid defense growth. "In the past, with mainly older ships, such large bases were not particularly necessary, but now the construction of modern, advanced naval bases has emerged as a very urgent and essential strategic task," he stated.

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Tactical nuclear armament of the navy is also precisely following its set milestones.

Looking ahead, Kim announced plans to construct and launch more large strategic vessels, including warships exceeding 10,000 tons, following the 'Kang Geon Ho'. The 'Kang Geon Ho', launched last year, experienced issues with its power system but has recently completed refitting and is undergoing performance tests. The 'Choi Hyun Ho' is expected to play a crucial role in defending maritime borders in the West Sea and deterring potential conflicts.

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In the past, with mainly older ships, such large bases were not particularly necessary, but now the construction of modern, advanced naval bases has emerged as a very urgent and essential strategic task.