North Korea: Kim Jong Un Orders Construction of 10,000-Ton Advanced Destroyer

(Digital Itla) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has instructed the navy to develop advanced destroyer warships weighing up to 10,000 tons. According to state media, this decision comes at a time when Kim Jong Un is inspecting military activities and installations ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit next week.

According to reports, Kim inspected naval drills and newly developed warships on Thursday. These included the 5,000-ton destroyer "Kang Kon" and another 5,000-ton warship "Choe Hon." During these visits, he emphasized that the country must further strengthen its naval power to deter the threat of a nuclear attack and enhance defensive capabilities across all three domains—land, sea, and air. It was also reported that Kim visited a new nuclear material production facility, emphasizing the need to rapidly expand the country's nuclear arsenal. According to observers, the announcement to build a 10,000-ton destroyer has been made for the first time and is being viewed as a projection of strength in the region and a strategic message ahead of the upcoming visit by the Chinese president.