North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly inspected a navigational test of a new destroyer and ordered the ship to be delivered to the navy in the middle of next month.
State-run Korean Central Television reported on Friday that Kim observed the maneuverability of the 5,000-ton class destroyer on Thursday off the country’s western coast. A photo shows Kim on board the ship, accompanied by his daughter.
The report says Kim expressed satisfaction with the test, and that he “made an important conclusion” on the newly-planned weapons system for two additional destroyers that are due to be built.
The new destroyer was launched last year, and carried out a series of test launches of strategic cruise- and anti-warship missiles from March through April. South Korean experts say the vessel could be equipped with missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Korean Central Television also said Kim visited a munitions factory on Wednesday to inspect the production of new self-propelled gun-howitzers. They are expected to be deployed along the military demarcation line with South Korea later this year.
South Korean experts say the series of moves are intended to keep the United States and South Korea in check.