Seoul, June 24: North Korea has officially commissioned a new 5,000-ton destroyer into its navy. Leader Kim Jong-un expressed optimism that this addition will enhance the navy’s combat capabilities to an “incredible” level, according to state media reports on Wednesday.
Kim Jong-un made this statement during the commissioning ceremony for the new multi-mission destroyer named ‘Choe Hyun’ at the western port of Nampo. The information was reported by Yonhap, citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
This event comes after the destroyer was unveiled last April, aimed at bolstering the nation’s naval power. Prior to its commissioning, the Choe Hyun underwent weapon tests in recent months.
In his congratulatory speech, Kim stated that this destroyer is equipped with the “most advanced and complex operational and combat capabilities.”
He remarked, “Our navy’s combat capability will reach an incredible level beyond imagination.”
Referring to the previously weak image of the North Korean navy, Kim noted, “The situation has clearly changed now.”
Kim described the deployment of this destroyer as a “strategically significant step,” asserting that it will strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent and aid in the more diverse and effective operation of its nuclear forces.
He indicated that the navy is now emerging as a “fully operational service equipped with strategic assets,” as plans to arm the navy with nuclear weapons are progressing as scheduled.
According to reports, the ‘Choe Hyun’ will be integrated into the Western Sea Fleet, where it will undertake “honorable missions” to defend the western sea and deter warfare.
The destroyer is named after Choe Hyun, a revolutionary warrior against Japan and a close associate of North Korea’s founder, Kim Il-sung. He was also the father of Choe Ryong-hae, a former chairman of the country’s permanent committee of parliament.
Kim also mentioned plans for expanding the navy, calling for the construction of two destroyers of the Choe Hyun class or larger each year. This includes 10,000-ton cruisers, which are part of the country’s five-year defense development plan.
He stated, “Following the Choe Hyun, we will soon bring the ‘Kang Gon’ destroyer into operation. After that, we will sequentially launch 10,000-ton strategic warships.” He emphasized the need for constructing escort ships and special-purpose vessels, as well as developing underwater weapon systems.
Analysts believe this deployment may be part of Pyongyang’s strategy to increase military pressure on South Korea.
Senior researcher Hong Min from the Korea Institute for National Unification suggested that this move could be aimed at enhancing capabilities in the Yellow Sea region, where South Korea’s military and commercial activities are concentrated.
Meanwhile, Shin Jong-woo, secretary-general of the Korea Defense and Security Forum, noted that the design of this destroyer appears to have undergone changes since its launch last year.
He stated, “Initially, it seemed designed for short-range ballistic missiles, but the small vertical launch system observed during testing suggests it may be equipped with cruise missiles.”
While North Korea claims the ship was built using indigenous technology, some experts believe it may have received assistance from Russia, as its close-in weapon system resembles Russia’s Pantsir-ME naval air defense system.
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