Kim Jong Un calls for nuclear-armed navy

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said the country’s navy must be transformed into a force capable of contributing to the nation’s nuclear deterrence strategy, according to state media outlet KCNA on June 6.

Kim made the remarks while observing sea trials of the destroyer Kang Kon, which is undergoing testing to evaluate its operational capabilities, Bloomberg reports.

During the inspection, Kim described naval modernisation as a strategic priority in North Korea’s efforts to establish a comprehensive nuclear deterrent system. He argued that maintaining peace requires strong military capabilities across land, sea, and air domains.

The North Korean leader also outlined plans to develop advanced underwater weapons systems and construct 10,000-ton-class destroyers as part of a five-year naval modernisation programme.

By Sabina Mammadli