North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un visited the Nampho shipyard and announced a leap forward in naval power, ordering the construction of the "most advanced and powerful warship." It is expected to be a new 10,000-ton vessel designed to address threats and geopolitical tensions from the U.S. and South Korea.
Kim Jong Un declared the goal of building the most modern and powerful warship, accelerating naval strength to protect national sovereignty amid what North Korea describes as threats from the U.S. and South Korea.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim visited the Nampho shipyard to inspect progress on upgrades and a new warship under construction. Kim expressed great satisfaction, stating that this vessel is larger and far superior to the destroyer built last year.
Kim said the geopolitical situation and hostile actions by regional adversaries highlight the need to possess the most modern and powerful warships, and to rapidly enhance combat capabilities both on the surface and underwater to safeguard maritime sovereignty.
Although the report did not disclose technical details of the new ship, released images show part of the hull, which experts estimate could be a 10,000-ton vessel according to plans Kim previously announced.
Shin Jong-woo, Secretary of the Korea Defense and Security Forum, said these images might be the first time North Korea has revealed the site constructing a large 10,000-ton ship, which is possibly a cruiser.
In June, Kim announced that North Korea would build at least two warships annually at the level of the 5,000-ton Choe Hyon destroyer or larger, including 10,000-ton ships.
Kim also ordered upgrades to the Nampho shipyard, emphasizing automation in production, building a second dry dock to enable simultaneous shipbuilding and repairs, and correcting unsuitable building layouts. The North Korean leader stated that a modern, high-tech shipbuilding base is essential for creating a navy so strong that no country dares threaten it.
North Korea is rapidly developing warships capable of carrying nuclear weapons for both its west and east coasts, with the Choe Hyon destroyer stationed in the Yellow Sea and the Kang Kon destroyer in the East Sea.
In September, North Korea commissioned the 5,000-ton Kang Kon destroyer, calling it part of a nuclear weapons counter-strike system and stating it will protect maritime sovereignty as a nuclear war deterrent.
Kim's shipyard visit came just one day after North Korea tested a strategic cruise missile and followed earlier cluster bomb warhead tests.
Meanwhile, Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un's sister, warned the U.S. that North Korea will respond more forcefully to what it calls the U.S. government's unwavering hostile policy toward North Korea.