Seoul (South Korea), 24 June (LaPresse/AP) – North Korea has officially commissioned the 5,000-tonne destroyer Choe Hyon, which was presented by leader Kim Jong Un as a symbol of the country’s strengthened naval and nuclear capabilities. The official North Korean news agency, the Korean Central News Agency, reported that during the ceremony at the port of Nampo, Kim stated that the vessel represents a decisive step in the North Korean navy’s nuclear armament programme. According to state media, the destroyer is equipped with anti-aircraft and anti-ship systems, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. The commissioning of the Choe Hyon forms part of Pyongyang’s strategy to expand its military projection at sea. In recent years, Kim has in fact shifted his focus from the development of ballistic missiles to naval capabilities, including the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine. South Korean analysts believe the vessel was built with Russian support, whilst doubts remain as to whether it is fully operational. Meanwhile, North Korea plans to commission a second destroyer of the same class, the Kang Kon, and to develop a new 10,000-tonne vessel.
North Korea: Pyongyang commissions a 5,000-tonne destroyer
Seoul (South Korea), 24 June (LaPresse/AP) – North Korea has officially commissioned the 5,000-tonne destroyer Choe Hyon, which was presented by leader Kim Jong Un as a symbol of the country’s strengthened naval and nuclear capabilities. The official North Korean news agency, the Korean Central News Agency, reported that during the ceremony at the port of Nampo, Kim stated that the vessel represents a decisive step in the North Korean navy’s nuclear armament programme. According to state media, the destroyer is equipped with anti-aircraft and anti-ship systems, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. The commissioning of the Choe Hyon forms part of Pyongyang’s strategy to expand its military projection at sea. In recent years, Kim has in fact shifted his focus from the development of ballistic missiles to naval capabilities, including the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine. South Korean analysts believe the vessel was built with Russian support, whilst doubts remain as to whether it is fully operational. Meanwhile, North Korea plans to commission a second destroyer of the same class, the Kang Kon, and to develop a new 10,000-tonne vessel.
