North Korea's Kim Jong Un says new destroyer part of nuclear response system

Live updates

1. 7d ago

   Kim Jong Un commissions Kang Kon destroyer for nuclear response system

   North Korea commissioned the Kang Kon, a 5,000-ton destroyer equipped with nuclear-capable missiles, during a ceremony in the port city of Wonsan on Sunday. Kim Jong Un integrated the vessel into the national nuclear response system to deliver retaliatory strikes. The Kang Kon joins the Choe Hyon, another 5,000-ton destroyer commissioned in June. This naval expansion coincides with joint military exercises conducted by the United States, Japan, and South Korea in the region. State media reports the vessel can carry both conventional and nuclear weaponry.

   Why it matters

   The Kang Kon is a Choe Hyon-class vessel that previously capsized during its first launch attempt. This deployment strengthens Pyongyang's naval nuclear force during a period of heightened regional tension. The presence of Kim's daughter at the commissioning suggests a signal regarding political succession.

   What is confirmed

   • The Kang Kon is a 5,000-ton destroyer capable of carrying nuclear and conventional weapons.
   • The vessel was commissioned into the navy in Wonsan on Sunday.
   • The Kang Kon is the second 5,000-ton destroyer commissioned, following the Choe Hyon in June.
   • The commissioning occurs as the US, South Korea, and Japan conduct joint military exercises.

   Still unconfirmed

   • South Korea's spy service identifies Kim Jong Un's daughter as his likely heir.

   What to watch next

   • Deployment locations of the Kang Kon and Choe Hyon destroyers
   • Further joint military responses from the US, Japan, and South Korea
   • Official confirmation of the vessel's specific missile payload
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.dailymail.com — Kim Jong Un unveils North Korea's new navy destroyer equipped with nuclear-capable missiles
   2. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Kim Jong Un is threatening US, Japan and South Korea with its most advanced warship, a 5000-ton nuclear missile carrying destroyers; second warship commission…
   3. www.news9live.com — North Korea commissions 2nd destroyer as Kim Jong Un puts warship in nuclear response system
   4. www.bairdmaritime.com — Security Vessel News Roundup | September 8 – North Korean destroyer commissioning, UK naval supply ship keel-laying and more
   5. tass.com — Bridge on DPRK border to boost cooperation — Russian prime minister
   6. tass.com — Zelensky mistaken about chances of stopping Russia — media
   confidence 95%
2. 8d ago

   Kim Jong Un Commissions Second Nuclear-Capable Destroyer

   North Korea has commissioned the Kang Kon, a 5,000-ton destroyer designed for nuclear counter-strike missions. Kim Jong Un stated the vessel is part of a nuclear response system capable of delivering "annihilating retaliatory strikes." This second destroyer joins the fleet as the United States, Japan, and South Korea conduct joint military exercises. The ship is a Choe Hyon-class vessel that previously capsized during its initial launch attempt but has now been fully deployed to bolster North Korea's naval nuclear force.

   Why it matters

   The deployment increases North Korea's ability to project nuclear power at sea. This naval expansion coincides with heightened regional tensions and joint drills by North Korea's primary adversaries.

   What is confirmed

   • North Korea commissioned its second 5,000-ton destroyer named the Kang Kon.
   • Kim Jong Un described the destroyer as part of a nuclear response system.
   • The vessel is capable of delivering "annihilating retaliatory strikes".
   • The ship capsized during its initial launch before joining the fleet.
   • The deployment occurs while the US, South Korea, and Japan hold military exercises.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The vessel is a Choe Hyon-class destroyer.
   • The ship is capable of carrying nuclear missiles.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of the specific nuclear missile types the Kang Kon can carry
   • Details on further naval expansions commissioned by Kim Jong Un
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. Reuters — North Korea's Kim Jong Un says new destroyer part of nuclear response system
   2. AP News — North Korea adds its 2nd naval destroyer as US, South Korea and Japan hold military exercise
   3. CNN — Nuclear-capable warship that capsized when launched finally joins North Korea’s fleet
   4. Al Jazeera — North Korea deploys warship ‘capable of annihilating retaliatory strikes’
   5. Bloomberg.com — Kim Commissions Second Destroyer to Bolster Nuclear Naval Force
   6. www.upi.com — North Korea commissions second nuclear-capable naval destroyer
   7. www.straitstimes.com — North Korea’s Kim Jong Un says new destroyer will be part of nuclear response system
   8. www.yahoo.com — North Korea unveils new destroyer a year after it capsized
   9. www.aol.com — Kim Jong Un suggests new naval destroyer will be armed with nuclear weapons during grand unveiling
   confidence 95%