North Korea’s Kim Unveils New Destroyer, Blames U.S. for Tensions
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Nampho — April 27,2025 — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the launch of a new naval destroyer,asserting that the vessel,equipped with “most powerful weapons” [[2]], represents a step forward in the country’s military capabilities [[1]]. the 5,000-tonne warship was unveiled in Nampho and is expected to be deployed in early 2026 [[3]]. Kim also used the occasion to criticize the U.S.and its military activities in the region. Experts predict these naval developments reflect North Korea’s strategic ambitions.
North KoreaS kim Unveils New destroyer, Blames U.S. for Tensions
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled a new naval destroyer, asserting it represents a meaningful leap in expanding the operational range adn preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military [3].
Key highlights
- Launch Ceremony: Kim Jong Un attended the launch ceremony of the “new multipurpose destroyer” in Nampho [2].
- warship Specifications: The 5,000-tonne warship is equipped with the
most powerful weapons
and was builtwithin 400-odd days perfectly with our own strength and technology.
- Future Deployment: The warship will be handed over to the navy and is expected to go into service early next year.
- Kim’s Daughter: Kim arrived in Nampho with his daughter, Ju Ae.
- Location: Analysts believe the warship was built at the Nampho dockyard, on North Korea’s west coast [2].
Kim’s Remarks and Stance
During the launch, Kim Jong Un conveyed a stern message regarding U.S. military activities in the region.
If the U.S. continues to renew its record in the protests of military power, we will have no choice but to renew it in the exercise of strategic deterrence.
He emphasized the importance of bolstering preemptive attack capabilities as a convincing war deterrent
, asserting that there is no limit to the scope of such attacks.
kim also acknowledged the deployment of U.S. strategic assets in the Korean Peninsula, referencing a recent joint military drill between South Korea and the U.S. involving a B-1B strategic bomber and fighter jets.
The launch of the destroyer signifies a new era of the great Kim Jong Un-style fleet building
, according to state media. The ship is classified as the “Choe Hyon-class,” named after an anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter.
Earlier reports indicated that this new class of warship could accommodate numerous vertical launch cells for carrying missiles already developed by the North Korean military.
Kim vowed to build a fleet capable of open-sea operations, stating that the security environment of our country is very serious right now.
U.S.-South Korea Joint Military Drills
The U.S. and South Korea have conducted joint military exercises, which North Korea condemns as rehearsals for war. Seoul maintains that these drills are purely defensive.
B-1B bombers have been a regular feature in these exercises in recent years.
FAQ
- What type of warship was unveiled?
- A new multipurpose destroyer.
- What is the warship’s displacement?
- 5,000 tonnes.
- When is the warship expected to enter service?
- Early next year.
- Where was the launch ceremony held?
- Nampho, North Korea.
