North Korea Vows Nuclear-Armed Navy as U.S. Allies Begin Maritime Drills

Kim Jong Un has vowed to turn North Korea's navy into a nuclear-armed force, declaring that its newly commissioned destroyer Kang Kon should be able to deliver a “deadly retaliatory blow” as part of the country's nuclear response system.

State media reported the comments on Monday after Kim attended the ship's commissioning ceremony at Wonsan on Sunday. The destroyer partially capsized during its launch in May 2025, but North Korea later repaired and tested it. Kim oversaw a test of the vessel in July.

“We should make sure that the diversified and effective operation of nuclear combat systems is conducted for an actual war through developing our navy into a nuclear-armed force,” Kim reportedly told the ceremony. He also said the new-generation destroyer should act whenever ordered and form part of the state nuclear counteraction system.

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We should make sure that the diversified and effective operation of nuclear combat systems is conducted for an actual war through developing our navy into a nuclear-armed force.

Analyst Lim Eul-chul of Kyungnam University said the reference to a nuclear-armed navy suggested that the vessels could serve as launch platforms for tactical nuclear-capable cruise missiles. Kim also said North Korea was pursuing an “important plan” to strengthen its navy and would demonstrate it to the world “in eight months.” Lim said that could point to a major strategic asset, potentially including a submarine capable of carrying submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

The announcement came as Freedom Edge began. The exercises involving Japan, South Korea and the United States run until Friday in international waters east and south of South Korea's Jeju Island. Lim said deploying the Kang Kon in the East Sea could allow Pyongyang to keep the drills and nuclear assets deployed by the allies within range.

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Once ordered anytime, the new-generation destroyer should deal a deadly retaliatory blow at the enemies as it is a force involved in the state nuclear counteraction system.