North Korea Emphasizes Nuclear Armament of Navy at Commissioning Ceremony for 5,000-ton Destroyer Kang Gun-ho
North Korea commissions new 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Gun-ho, emphasizing strengthening naval power and nuclear armament Check Kim Jong Un’s speech, which also carried security signals for the East Sea, and the background and significance of the commissioning
North Korea held a commissioning ceremony for the new 5,000ton destroyer Kang Geonho and emphasized strengthening naval power and nuclear armament. According to the Korean Central News Agency, the commissioning ceremony took place on the 6th at Wonsan Port.
In his speech, State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un referred to the East Sea and nearby waters as major threats to national security, and said that the deployment of the Kang Geonho carries significance as a signal to the outside world. He said that the nuclear armament of the navy is being realized and stated that he would make military activities for maritime defense and deterrence of war even clearer.
Chairman Kim also mentioned that there are important plans being pursued to strengthen naval power, but did not disclose any specific details. In photos released by North Korean media, his wife Ri Sol Ju and daughter Kim Ju Ae also appeared together. The Kang Geonho officially entered service this time after undergoing repairs and tests following an accident during its launch process last year.