North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s promise to unveil more projects in eight months’ time at the launch of the country’s second modern destroyer hints at another major strategic military asset, according to experts.
“The nuclearisation of our navy is being realised, making it increasingly suited, diversified and practical for the use of our deterrent,” Kim said while commissioning the Kang Kon in the southeastern port of Wonsan on Sunday.
Kim was accompanied by his daughter and potential successor, Kim Ju-ae, his wife, Ri Sol-ju, his influential sister, Kim Yo-jong, and other senior officials
“We must make the practical operation of our nuclear combat systems more diverse and effective, and our military activities for maritime defence and war deterrence more explicit, by making our powerful and reliable nuclear war deterrent more clear,” he said. “Concerns of the enemies will be surely deepened.”
North Korea was currently carrying out “important plans to strengthen our naval forces”, Kim said without elaborating. “I will demonstrate them to the world once again eight months from now.”
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un salutes the Kang Kon while his daughter Ju-ae waves during a commissioning ceremony at Wonsan Port on Sunday. Photo: KCNA / AFP
This specific time frame suggests that North Korea could unveil another large-scale asset, such as a submarine capable of carrying submarine-launched ballistic missiles or a nuclear-powered submarine, according to observers.