SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the first test-firing of missiles from a newly launched 5,000-ton destroyer, calling it a major step toward strengthening the country’s nuclear-armed navy, state media reported Wednesday.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim watched the destroyer fire a range of weapons, including supersonic and strategic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, automatic guns, and electronic jamming systems. He praised the warship’s combination of powerful offensive capabilities and conventional defenses, and directed officials to accelerate efforts to equip the navy with nuclear weapons.
The destroyer, unveiled last week, is touted by North Korea as its most advanced warship to date. During its launch ceremony, Kim declared that the vessel would be operational by early next year and described the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine as the next key objective in enhancing North Korea’s maritime deterrence.
Kim also warned of what he described as growing U.S.-led hostility toward the North and emphasized the importance of boosting the country’s strike readiness and preemptive capabilities.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula continue to escalate amid Pyongyang’s ongoing weapons tests and its deepening military cooperation with Russia. In a significant and provocative move, North Korea on Monday confirmed for the first time that it has deployed combat troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly expressed gratitude, vowing not to forget the sacrifices made by North Korean soldiers.
The U.S., South Korea, and their allies have raised concerns that North Korea is supplying Russia with large quantities of conventional weapons. In return, they fear Moscow may be transferring advanced military technologies, which could bolster North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, along with other forms of military and economic support.
