North Korea has commissioned its second 5,000-ton naval destroyer as the United States, South Korea and Japan began a joint military exercise, state media reported Monday.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the commissioning ceremony for the Kang Kon destroyer at the eastern port city of Wonsan on Sunday. He called for strengthening the country’s nuclear deterrent and expanding its ability to deploy nuclear weapons at sea.
Kim said the commissioning of two advanced destroyers in quick succession demonstrated the growing strength of North Korea’s navy and would increase concerns among its rivals.
The Kang Kon, along with the Choe Hyon, which was commissioned in June, is reportedly equipped with nuclear-capable missiles. The two vessels are considered North Korea’s most advanced warships.
Kim said North Korea must establish a more powerful and reliable nuclear deterrent and strengthen its military capabilities for maritime defence and war deterrence.
US, South Korea and Japan Begin Military Exercise
The commissioning came as the US, South Korea and Japan began the five-day Freedom Edge military exercise in waters near South Korea’s southern Jeju Island.
South Korea has described the drill as defensive and aimed at responding to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. Pyongyang, however, has repeatedly condemned joint military exercises involving the three countries, describing them as preparations for an invasion.
North Korea’s Foreign Ministry recently criticised Washington’s stance and cited the Freedom Edge exercise as evidence of what it called an increasingly confrontational US policy.
Tensions Persist Despite US Outreach
The latest developments come despite efforts by US President Donald Trump to reduce tensions with North Korea. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise involving US and South Korean forces was shortened after Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce the drill, citing his relationship with Kim.
However, Kim’s sister and senior official, Kim Yo Jong, dismissed the move, saying that shortening the exercise did not change what she described as its provocative nature.
North Korea subsequently launched around 10 short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea, apparently in response to the US-South Korean military exercise.
Kim has previously indicated that North Korea could return to negotiations if Washington abandons what he calls its “hostile policy” and recognises the country as a nuclear state.
Previous diplomacy between Trump and Kim collapsed in 2019 over disagreements about sanctions relief and the extent of North Korea’s denuclearisation commitments. Since then, North Korea has expanded its nuclear programme and strengthened ties with Russia and China, giving Kim greater leverage in dealing with the United States, analysts say.
