In an announcement made on Wednesday, North Korea revealed that its leader, Kim Jong Un, has supervised the test-firing of missiles from what is described as North Korea’s first destroyer, urging a rapid enhancement of the nation’s naval nuclear attack prowess. Recently, North Korea presented the 5,000-ton destroyer, praised for possessing significant weapon systems tailored for naval warfare. At the launch event on Friday held in the western port of Nampo, Kim boasted that this development was a pivotal step in the modernization of North Korea’s naval arsenal.
Speculations among international experts suggest that the destroyer represents North Korea’s inaugural effort in this category, potentially realized with aid from Russia. Analysts have noted that although North Korea’s naval capabilities lag behind those of South Korea, this new destroyer marks a considerable security concern as it may augment both its offensive and defensive naval capacities.
The state-controlled Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim observed the operation of the destroyer’s supersonic, strategic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, as well as automatic and electronic jamming guns earlier in the week. Kim expressed satisfaction with the destroyer’s powerful armament in tandem with its defensive attributes and laid out objectives to expedite the process of equipping the navy with nuclear weapons.
During the launch ceremony, Kim announced plans for the destroyer to be operational by early next year. He also highlighted a nuclear-powered submarine as the subsequent ambition in fortifying the navy. Kim emphasized the importance of augmenting North Korea’s defensive deterrents in light of what he characterized as mounting hostilities led by the United States against North Korea.
A detailed review of images from the warship suggests that the anti-air radar system might have Russian origins, opined Lee Illwoo of the Korea Defense Network based in South Korea. He suggested that the engine system and some anti-aircraft weaponry may also have been sourced from Russia.
In recent years, North Korea and Russia have substantially increased their military and other collaborative efforts, which has seen North Korea contribute manpower and traditional weapons in Russia’s conflict against Ukraine. The U.S., South Korea, and their allies are concerned that in exchange, Russia might furnish North Korea with advanced technology that could advance its nuclear program and provide other military and economic support.
South Korea’s military stated on Wednesday that both South Korean and American intelligence entities are keeping a watchful eye on developments related to North Korea’s warship advancements. In a separate briefing, South Korea’s intelligence agency informed legislators that without Russian assistance, North Korea is unlikely to successfully deploy a nuclear-powered submarine in the near future.
Back in March, North Korea revealed the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine, which prompted several civilian experts to propose that Russian technological aid might have been pivotal in developing the nuclear reactor intended for the submarine.
Lee commented that the commissioning of a warship with a sophisticated radar system stationed off North Korea’s west coast could considerably strengthen air defense measures around Pyongyang, the capital. Although South Korea, equipped with twelve destroyers, surpasses North Korea’s naval capabilities, Lee contends that North Korea’s destroyer — capable of carrying approximately 80 missiles — still represents a notable threat. South Korea’s navy may not yet be fully prepared to counteract such a rival destroyer.