North Korea vows to build a nuclear-armed navy

Kim Jong Un has promised to turn North Korea’s navy into a nuclear-armed force, declaring that its next-generation destroyers should form part of the country’s nuclear deterrent. He spoke as Japan, South Korea and the United States began the Freedom Edge maritime exercises.

The comments came Sunday at a ceremony in the port city of Wonsan for the destroyer Kang Kon. The warship overturned during its launch in May 2025, but underwent a test in July that Kim also observed. State media published photographs showing Kim accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae, who is reportedly expected to succeed him.

“We should ensure that, as we develop our navy into a nuclear-armed force, comprehensive and effective nuclear combat system operations are carried out for real war,” Kim said at the ceremony. He added that, whenever ordered, the destroyer should deliver “a lethal retaliatory strike against enemies” as part of the state’s nuclear response system.

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We should ensure that, as we develop our navy into a nuclear-armed force, comprehensive and effective nuclear combat system operations are carried out for real war.

Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University, said Kim’s reference to a nuclear-armed navy could indicate that the ships will serve as launch platforms for tactical nuclear missiles. Lim also said North Korea could be preparing to unveil a major strategic asset, such as a new submarine capable of carrying submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

Kim said North Korea was implementing an “important plan” to strengthen its navy and would show it to the world “after eight months.” Lim said deploying the Kang Kon in the East Sea could support Pyongyang’s goal of conducting joint maritime operations and deploying nuclear forces directly within an operational area.

The Freedom Edge exercises will continue until Friday in international waters east and south of South Korea’s Jeju Island. They proceed despite President Donald Trump’s cancellation of another exercise cycle with South Korea as he seeks to revive diplomacy with Pyongyang. North Korea has continued launching missiles and condemning the exercises, US arms sales to South Korea and planned programs documenting human rights violations in the country.

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A next-generation destroyer, as part of the state’s nuclear response system, should deliver a lethal retaliatory strike against enemies whenever ordered.