Kim Jong Un Orders Acceleration of Nuclear Armament
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the acceleration of the country’s naval military nuclear armament, following the recent unveiling of a new destroyer, according to the official North Korean news agency.
The agency reported, “He stated that the time has come to accelerate nuclear armament for the navy to defend the state and maritime sovereignty against current and future threats, presenting several tasks to achieve this.”
North Korea possesses nuclear weapons, which it consistently views as essential for deterrence against what it describes as “hostile” military maneuvers by Washington and Seoul.
The U.S.-based site “NK News” reported that the new destroyer “Chohyon,” revealed during ceremonies covered by the North Korean agency on Saturday, may be equipped with “short-range tactical nuclear missiles.”
Kim Jong Un was quoted as saying that the destroyer “will be put into service early next year” to contribute to making the North Korean navy “a key element of national defense and a component of nuclear deterrence.”
Test launches from “Chohyon” took place on April 28, reportedly involving “hypersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, and 127mm automatic naval guns.”
The North Korean official agency added that on the 29th of this month, “guided maritime-to-maritime tactical weapons and various types of smoke and radar-jamming guns” were tested.
In March, Kim Jong Un inspected a site developing a nuclear submarine project, emphasizing that strengthening the navy is a fundamental element of North Korea’s defense strategy.
