Kim Jong Un Inspects Sea Trial of New Destroyer Kang Kon

2026-06-07

Kim Jong Un inspects vessel

North Korea's Korean Central News Agency said on the 6th that Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, inspected the sea trial of the new destroyer Kang Kon on the 4th. Kim stressed that strengthening the navy into a force that can play a part in nuclear deterrence is a core task of the party.

Focus on naval buildup

Kim also said the navy needs to be elevated into a force that can inflict a deadly blow on the enemy at any time, both underwater and on the surface. North Korea has in recent years been pushing to expand its naval power, which lags behind South Korea's.

Launch failed last year

Kang Kon capsized at a launch ceremony in May last year, prompting a strong reaction from Kim. Those involved were reprimanded, and after the damaged hull was repaired, another launch ceremony was held in June the same year.

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