North Korea announces nuclear-armed navy, unveils 10,000-ton warship plans

Kim Jong Un’s declaration to equip the navy with nuclear weapons and build larger vessels escalates maritime risk in the region, adding a new layer of uncertainty to East Asian security dynamics.

By Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automated 2026-06-24 01:52 UTC · 1 min read

North Korea is equipping its navy with nuclear weapons, leader Kim Jong Un announced Tuesday during the commissioning of a new 5,000-ton warship.

The declaration, reported by state media, marks a significant escalation in the country’s naval capabilities and strategic posture.

Kim also unveiled plans to construct 10,000-ton warships, signaling an intent to expand the size and power of its fleet.

The remarks were made at the ceremony for the 'Choe Hyon,' a vessel that joins a growing list of advanced military assets deployed by Pyongyang in recent years.

The move intensifies the naval threat facing South Korea’s critical maritime trade lanes.

Previous commissions of large destroyers have already raised concerns among regional allies and defense analysts about the balance of power in the waters surrounding the Korean Peninsula.