North Korea commissions new warship amid growing nuclear naval capabilities

North Korea’s Leader Announces Plans to Equip Navy with Nuclear Weapons

Pyongyang, North Korea - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced plans to equip his navy with nuclear weapons during the commissioning ceremony for the 5,000-tonne warship Choe Hyon in Nampho. The state media reported that Kim described the nuclear arming of the fleet as a strategic course to keep the country’s forces ready for “multifaceted and efficient operation”.

The Choe Hyon is reportedly fitted with some of North Korea’s most powerful weapons, and Kim has already overseen a cruise missile test from the vessel. Additionally, Kim pledged to soon commission another large destroyer, the Kang Kon, and to begin launching 10,000-tonne-class “strategic warships”. These plans are part of Pyongyang’s efforts to expand its military capabilities.

According to North Korea, the build-up is aimed at deterrence against Washington and Seoul. The country frames itself as an “irreversible” nuclear state. The Korean Peninsula remains technically at war, with Kim accusing the allies of driving the region “to the brink of a nuclear war”.

Source: Al Jazeera