Kim Jong Un unveils new destroyer and threatens enemies at sea
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (photo: Getty Images)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday inspected a new military destroyer and announced his intention to strengthen the country's naval presence, Reuters reports.
According to the publication, Kim stated that his North Korean naval forces must be ready to "thoroughly deter or counter and punish the enemy's provocations."
Meanwhile, several North Korean propaganda media outlets are currently promoting the narrative that the exhibition attended by Kim marks a "remarkable development" of North Korea's modernized armed forces.
However, analysts believe it is still unclear when North Korea will launch the new destroyer and other combat ships. At the same time, according to the South Korean company SI Analytics, satellite images have confirmed the installation of engines on the Choe Hyon, which means the ship may conduct sea trials as early as this month.
North Korean provocations
North Korea continues to expand its missile production and nuclear program. The country is also testing its weapons, and these tests are accompanied mainly by provocations near the maritime or airspace of neighboring countries.
According to Kim Jong Un, North Korea has created a "powerful secret weapon." What precisely this refers to is still unknown.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated that Pyongyang is completing the development of an intercontinental ballistic missile that will be capable of delivering a nuclear strike on the United States.
In October, North Korea is preparing for a large-scale military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party. Preparations include the deployment of equipment and personnel to a field near an airport in Pyongyang.
