Kim Jong Un commissions second Choe Hyon-class destroyer Kang Kon after successful repairs
Kim Jong Un commissioned the second Choe Hyon-class destroyer, the Kang Kon, on Sunday. The nuclear-capable warship was previously damaged during a botched launch in May of last year, which Kim Jong Un described as a "criminal act" that damaged the state's dignity. Following repairs, the vessel was relaunched in June and joined the first Choe Hyon-class destroyer in active service. Kim Jong Un stated that the commissioning of the Kang Kon constitutes a historic event for the navy's capabilities and represents the country's determination to defend its maritime sovereignty. The destroyer is assigned to the East Sea Fleet and is capable of carrying out nuclear counter-strike missions. The administration announced that North Korea intends to develop its navy into a nuclear-armed force. Kim Jong Un noted that new naval bases are being constructed on the country's east coast to host an expanding fleet. He also claimed that a nuclear-powered attack submarine is in the works, and called for shipyards to produce two new surface ships annually, including cruisers double the size of the Choe Hyon-class destroyers.
Sources
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Kim Jong Un Finally Gets His Ship After Humiliating Launch
thedailybeast.com
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Nuclear-capable warship that capsized when launched finally joins North Korea’s fleet
CNN
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Kim Jong Un suggests new naval destroyer will be armed with nuclear weapons during grand unveiling
independent.co.uk