403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were looking for doesn't exist.
North Korea Commissions Nuclear-Capable Destroyer Kang Kon
(MENAFN) North Korea has formally commissioned a new naval destroyer, the Kang Kon, as part of a broader push to build out a nuclear-capable fleet, state media reported Monday.
Leader Kim Jong Un presided over the commissioning ceremony Sunday in the eastern port city of Wonsan, describing the 5,000-ton warship as "essentially an offensive destroyer" and a component of "the state nuclear counteraction system," according to North Korean media.
His wife, Ri Sol-ju, and daughter, Ju-ae, joined him at the event.
The vessel's commissioning came just one day ahead of a joint military exercise involving the United States, Japan and South Korea — drills that Pyongyang has consistently condemned as a "war rehearsal."
"The new-generation destroyer should deal a deadly retaliatory blow at the enemies, as it is a force involved in the state nuclear counteraction system," Kim added.
Kim emphasized the need to transform the country's navy into "a nuclear armed force" to carry out maritime defense and deterrence operations "more clearly."
The Kang Kon has been assigned to North Korea's East Sea Fleet.
Its commissioning comes less than three months after North Korea introduced its first 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, into the West Sea Fleet.
Earlier this year, Pyongyang announced plans to construct two large warships exceeding 5,000 tons over the next five years, including vessels in the 10,000-ton class.
Leader Kim Jong Un presided over the commissioning ceremony Sunday in the eastern port city of Wonsan, describing the 5,000-ton warship as "essentially an offensive destroyer" and a component of "the state nuclear counteraction system," according to North Korean media.
His wife, Ri Sol-ju, and daughter, Ju-ae, joined him at the event.
The vessel's commissioning came just one day ahead of a joint military exercise involving the United States, Japan and South Korea — drills that Pyongyang has consistently condemned as a "war rehearsal."
"The new-generation destroyer should deal a deadly retaliatory blow at the enemies, as it is a force involved in the state nuclear counteraction system," Kim added.
Kim emphasized the need to transform the country's navy into "a nuclear armed force" to carry out maritime defense and deterrence operations "more clearly."
The Kang Kon has been assigned to North Korea's East Sea Fleet.
Its commissioning comes less than three months after North Korea introduced its first 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, into the West Sea Fleet.
Earlier this year, Pyongyang announced plans to construct two large warships exceeding 5,000 tons over the next five years, including vessels in the 10,000-ton class.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any
responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos,
licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues
related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment