North Korean leader Kim 'Jong Un claimed that the navy would have a "powerful offensive capability", as he visited a 5,000 ton destroyer and watched a missile launch, according to KCNA.

Kim pledged to continue modernising the Navy fleet in order to increase the country's maritime power in the Pacific Ocean. He cited what he termed provocations from?the U.S.

Kim, speaking at the Nampho Shipyard in reference to the 'new national strategy' decided by the ninth Congress, said: "Every year, during the new 5-year plan period, we must build 2 surface warships, either of this class, or a higher -class."

KCNA reported that he also oversaw a test firing of a "strategic missile" launched by the vessel.

KCNA reported that Kim spent two days in North Korea, visiting the Choe Hyon. This is the first of a series of 5,000 ton 'Choe Hyon class' destroyers North Korea has been building.

Kim and KCNA also discussed a?third warship of the same type, which is planned?at?the?shipyard.

In May 2025 the second Choe Hyon class destroyer suffered a failure in its initial?launch, which enraged Kim and led to the arrest of officials. According to KCNA, the warship was repaired in June and re-launched.

Kim stated that he was satisfied with his Navy's progress in nuclear armament. Reporting by Heejin Lee and Joyce Lee, Editing by Stephen Coates and Ed Davies

(source: Reuters)