North Korea’s Kim Jong Un says new destroyer will be part of nuclear response system
Kim said the 5,000-ton destroyer will help diversify North Korea’s nuclear deterrent as state media withheld details on whether it carries nuclear weapons.
- On Sunday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un commissioned a new destroyer in Wonsan, vowing to develop his navy into a nuclear-armed force as the United States, South Korea, and Japan began their five-day Freedom Edge exercise.
- Established in 2023, the trilateral Freedom Edge exercise runs through Friday in waters off Jeju Island to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. South Korea's military describes the maneuvers as defensive in nature.
- The 5,000-tonne destroyers Kang Kon and Choe Hyon are equipped with nuclear-capable missiles, making them North Korea's most advanced warships. Kim reportedly told the ceremony, "We should make sure that the diversified and effective operation of nuclear combat systems is conducted for an actual war."
- Despite President Donald Trump ordering the Pentagon to 'substantially reduce' the recent Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, North Korea has shown little sign of reciprocating his diplomatic overtures. The regime continues condemning the drills and firing short-range missiles.
- Pyongyang has repeatedly declared itself an 'irreversible' nuclear state since a 2019 summit with Trump in Hanoi collapsed over denuclearization scope. North Korea maintains it could return to talks only if the United States drops its 'hostile policy' and respects its nuclear status.
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North Korea adds second naval destroyer as US, South Korea and Japan hold military exercise
North Korea says leader Kim Jong Un has put his second naval destroyer into service and called for building a more reliable nuclear deterrent. The report Monday came as the U.S., South Korea and Japan were to begin a trilateral…
Nuclear-capable warship that capsized when launched joins North Korea’s fleet
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un put his second naval destroyer into service and called for building a more reliable nuclear deterrent, state media reported Monday, as the U.S., South Korea and Japan held a trilateral military exercise he views as a security threat.
North Korea has two warships: the "Choe Hyon" destroyer and the "Kang Kon" destroyer.
North Korea has put into service the 5000-ton destroyer Kang Kon. Commander Kim Jong Un assigns the warship to a nuclear retaliation system.
Leader Kim Jong Un promised to turn North Korea's navy into a nuclear-capable force, state media reported Monday, coinciding with the beginning of U.S. allies' maritime exercises.
NORTH Korea has commissioned its second modern guided-missile destroyer, an incredible recovery for a ship that capsized during its launch in May 2025.
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