Kim Jong Un Showcases 5,000-Ton Destroyer, Vows Nuclear Navy Ahead of Xi Visit
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 6
Kim Jong Un Showcases 5,000-Ton Destroyer, Vows Nuclear Navy Ahead of Xi Visit
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 6
Summary
Kim Jong Un inspected sea trials of the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon on Thursday and said North Korea would speed development of naval forces tied to its nuclear deterrent.
KCNA said Kim's new five-year defense plan calls for larger 10,000-ton-class destroyers and unspecified underwater weapons able to strike "under the water or on the water."
Kang Kon is the second destroyer North Korea unveiled last year; it was damaged in a failed May launch, relaunched in June after repairs, and still faces outside doubts over whether it is fully operational.
The display came before Xi Jinping's Monday visit to Pyongyang, a day after North Korea revealed a uranium-enrichment facility and Kim pledged to expand nuclear forces at an "exponential rate."
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North Korea’s 5,000-Ton-Class Destroyers: Naval Advances, Technical Challenges, and the Northeast Asian Arms Race
Overview
North Korea recently highlighted its naval progress by having Kim Jong Un personally observe the sea trial of the 5,000-ton-class destroyer Kang Kon on June 6, 2026. This event followed a troubled history for the vessel, which had tipped over and suffered damage during its initial launch in May 2025—a mistake Kim Jong Un strongly criticized. After being moved to the Rajin shipyard for repairs, the Kang Kon was relaunched just three weeks later. Kim’s direct involvement in the latest sea trial, alongside top officials and his daughter, signaled renewed confidence in the ship’s readiness and North Korea’s determination to advance its naval capabilities despite past setbacks.