North Korea has taken a significant step in modernizing its naval forces. A solemn commissioning ceremony for the country's first destroyer, the 'Choe Hyon' (Choe Hyon), with a displacement of 5,000 tons, took place in the port of Namp'o on the western coast. The ship, which has become the flagship of a new stage in the navy's development, has been transferred to the country's nuclear forces.
The event was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who personally assessed the capabilities of the new warship. According to him, the destroyer possesses "the most advanced operational and combat capabilities." The leader emphasized that the program to equip the navy with nuclear weapons is proceeding strictly according to plan, without deviations.
Plan for Massive Fleet Expansion
The commissioning of the 'Choe Hyon' is just the beginning of a massive program to strengthen Pyongyang's naval fleet. Kim Jong Un announced ambitious plans: over the next five years, the country plans to build two ships of even larger size annually. This will allow North Korea to significantly increase its military power in the Yellow Sea and eastern waters, including in the direction of Japan.
Today, North Korea's navy consists mainly of small vessels intended for coastal defense. The appearance of a large destroyer marks a transition to the creation of a full-fledged ocean-going fleet capable of operating in open seas.
Nuclear Course as a Defense Strategy
At the ceremony, the North Korean leader called for accelerating the buildup of the country's nuclear potential. Kim Jong Un cited the current situation in the Middle East, stating that it proves: a nuclear course is the only way to protect the state under modern conditions.
Earlier, the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially announced that the issue of nuclear disarmament is finally closed. Pyongyang does not intend to give up its status as a nuclear state. In June, Kim Jong Un also announced plans to turn the navy into a key element of the nuclear deterrence system and integrate it into the country's overall military doctrine.
Thus, the appearance of the destroyer 'Choe Hyon' not only updates the composition of the North Korean Navy but also becomes a symbol of a new stage in Pyongyang's military strategy — a transition from defensive positions to the active buildup of power in the region.