Kim Jong Un Hails Revamped Warship, Pledges Expansion of North Korea’s Naval Power

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the launch ceremony of a warship on Thursday, which had previously been damaged during its initial launch attempt, according to state media KCNA on Friday.

Satellite images revealed ongoing repairs to the 5,000-ton destroyer, which had partially capsized in May. Kim had referred to the incident as a “criminal act” and ordered its restoration ahead of a key party meeting in June.

Kim emphasized that the restoration process had not hindered North Korea’s naval development plans. He also revealed intentions to build two more 5,000-ton destroyers in the coming year, KCNA reported.

In his speech, Kim stressed the need to strengthen the country’s maritime military presence in the Pacific, citing provocations from the U.S. and its allies. He warned, “Soon, our adversaries will learn just how unsettling it is to watch enemy ships operating near their sovereign waters.”

Kim further asserted, “In the near future, our battleships will chart new routes across the Pacific, advancing toward the frontlines of aggression.”