Seoul [South Korea], October 6 (ANI): North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has declared that the country’s navy must be prepared to “thoroughly deter, counter, and punish” enemy provocations to defend sovereignty and national security, Yonhap News reported, citing state media.
Kim made the remarks during his visit to the Choe Hyon, North Korea’s first 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer, on Sunday at Pyongyang’s 2025 Defense Exhibition. He was accompanied by senior party and government officials as part of his schedule for the military hardware exhibition, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The destroyer was first unveiled in April as part of efforts to strengthen North Korea’s naval power. KCNA quoted Kim saying that the Workers’ Party would continue its efforts without delay to expand and enhance the naval combat force.
North Korea previously stated that the Choe Hyon is equipped with supersonic strategic cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, and other strike weapons, Yonhap News reported. Kim reiterated his vow to counter “real and serious” U.S. threats by bolstering the country’s military and technological development, KCNA said following the opening of the Defense Development-2025 exhibition in Pyongyang on Saturday.
Kim accused South Korea and the United States of conducting drills based on a nuclear operation scenario and expanding defense assets in South Korea and the broader region, South Korean media reported.
“We are closely watching the U.S. deployment of its means of strategic strike and reconnaissance and the mobilization for hostile acts in connection with a new possible threat to our state’s security,” Kim said.
The exhibition is being held ahead of the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea next Friday, when Pyongyang is expected to stage a large-scale military parade.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s presidential office urged Pyongyang to engage in dialogue and cooperation. “We hope North Korea will engage in dialogue and cooperation for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and within the international community,” the statement said, as cited by Yonhap.
In late August, KCNA reported that North Korea test-fired two newly developed air defense missiles under Kim’s supervision. Kim visited the Choe Hyon naval destroyer again during the exhibition on Sunday.
In June, North Korea relaunched another destroyer of the same class, the Kang Kon, after it was damaged during its initial launch in May. The country has also announced plans to build another 5,000-ton destroyer of the same class by October 2026. (ANI)
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