North Korean leader pledges to transform his country's navy into a nuclear force
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to transform his country’s navy into a nuclear-armed force, according to state media, coinciding with the launch of new military exercises by U.S. allies. The exercises, taking pla
Translated by Qiyas from كويت نيوز — Original source
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to transform his country’s navy into a nuclear-armed force, according to state media, coinciding with the launch of new military exercises by U.S. allies.
The exercises, taking place this week with Japan, South Korea, and the United States, began in 2023 with the aim of deterring the missile and nuclear threats posed by Pyongyang.
Kim’s remarks came during a ceremony in the coastal city of Wonsan marking the return of the warship “Kang Kun” to active service, after it partially capsized during its launch into the water in May 2025, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The agency quoted Kim as saying, “We must ensure the diverse and effective operation of nuclear combat systems in preparation for actual war, by developing our navy into a nuclear-armed force.”
He added, “Once the order is given at any time, the destroyer belonging to the new generation must deliver a lethal retaliatory strike against the enemies, as part of the state’s counter-nuclear response system.”
Images showed his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, who is reportedly being groomed as his successor, attending the event alongside him.
Kim previously oversaw a test of the “Kang Kun” in July last year. The vessel is one of two 5,000-ton warships launched last year.
Lim Yul-chol, a professor at Kyungnam University, said Kim’s reference to a “nuclear-armed navy” suggests that these ships may serve as platforms for launching tactical cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Kim revealed that North Korea is implementing an “important plan” to strengthen its naval power, with results to be unveiled to the world “within eight months.”
The U.S. allies’ exercises, codenamed “Freedom Edge,” are scheduled to continue until Friday in international waters east and south of South Korea’s Jeju Island.
The drills proceeded despite President Donald Trump’s reduction of another set of military exercises with South Korea, in an effort to reopen diplomatic channels with Pyongyang regarding its nuclear program.
