Kim Jong Un visits North Korean naval destroyer, oversees missile test

SEOUL, March 5 (Reuters) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the ‌navy would have a “powerful offensive capability” as he visited a 5,000-ton destroyer and oversaw a missile test, state media KCNA reported on Thursday.

Kim has ​pledged to keep modernizing the Navy’s fleet to ​boost the country’s maritime power in the Pacific ⁠Ocean, citing what he called provocations by the US ​and its allies.

“Every year during the new five-year plan period, ​we must build two surface warships of this class or of a higher class,” Kim said at the Nampho Shipyard, referring to the new ​national strategy decided at the ninth Congress.

He also oversaw the test-firing of ​a “strategic cruise missile” launched from the vessel, KCNA said.

During a two-day trip on ‌Tuesday ⁠and Wednesday, Kim visited the Choe Hyon, the first warship of a series of 5,000-tonne ‘Choe Hyon-class’ destroyers North Korea is constructing, KCNA said.

Kim also discussed a third warship ​of the same ​class, which ⁠is being planned at the shipyard, KCNA added.

The second warship of the Choe Hyon-class ​destroyers suffered a failed initial launch in May 2025, ​causing ⁠Kim’s ire and leading to the detainment of officials involved.

The warship was repaired and launched again in June, ⁠according ​to KCNA.

Kim said he was satisfied ​with the progress of the nuclear armament of his Navy.