Kim Jong Un Reveals Plan to Build New 10,000-Ton Class Destroyer

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the sea trials of the 'Kanggeunho', a new destroyer that ran aground last year, emphasizing the necessity of strengthening naval power to secure nuclear deterrence and revealing plans to build a new 10,000-ton class destroyer. Kim was accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, during the inspection of the 'Kanggeunho's' sea trials and praised its cruising and high-speed maneuverability systems as excellent.

Kim outlined specific tasks, including the development and production of underwater secret weapons and the construction of a new 10,000-ton class destroyer, in line with the five-year plan for naval modernization approved at the 9th Party Congress earlier this year, expressing his anticipation for the plan's successful execution.

This announcement of plans to build a 10,000-ton class destroyer signifies Kim's intent to construct a larger vessel, following his initial mention of an 8,000-ton class destroyer in March. He urged that the 'Kanggeunho' and 'Choe Hyonho' be commissioned into the navy as soon as possible.

North Korea's pursuit of building a new 10,000-ton class destroyer and accelerating its naval power buildup could heighten military tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, potentially prompting changes in the security strategies of neighboring countries.