Pyongyang, June 6: North Korea is working on plans to construct a large warship, a destroyer with a capacity of 10,000 tons. This announcement was made by state media on Saturday, just before the anticipated visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to the state newspaper Rodong Sinmun, the information was revealed following a naval test conducted by leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday. The report stated that Kim Jong Un has instructed the navy to deploy the new 10,000-ton destroyer, named Kang Kong, and the 5,000-ton warship Choe Hyun as soon as possible.
However, detailed technical information regarding this plan has not been made public. This marks the first time North Korea has mentioned the construction of such a large 10,000-ton destroyer.
Xi Jinping’s visit is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday and is viewed as an effort to strengthen relations between the two countries.
During the naval inspection, Kim Jong Un emphasized the need for the country to enhance its naval capabilities to deter nuclear warfare. He stressed the importance of developing powerful military capabilities across land, sea, and air.
Previously, Kim Jong Un had discussed the “rapid expansion” of the country’s nuclear arsenal while visiting a new nuclear material production facility.
The report also noted that his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, was present during the inspection.
In May 2025, a 5,000-ton destroyer from North Korea partially capsized during its launch. Kim Jong Un labeled that incident a “serious offense” and criticized it harshly. The ship was later repaired and relaunched, receiving the name Kang Kong.
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