North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the new 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon-ho on Monday. He characterized the upcoming U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises as a clear expression of their intent to provoke war, calling for a proactive response, according to a report from the state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun on Tuesday.
The newspaper reported that Kim visited the destroyer Choe Hyon-ho to review the ship’s integrated weapons system operational tests and assess the training and living conditions of the marines. Navy Commander Park Kwang Seob welcomed Kim at the site.
During his visit, Kim stated that the joint military exercises conducted by the U.S. and South Korea starting today represent their most hostile and confrontational stance toward the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, openly revealing their intentions. He emphasized that the deepening military alliance and the overt displays of military power between the U.S. and South Korea are the clearest expressions of their willingness to provoke war and the root cause of destroying peace and security in the region.
Kim further noted that the military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea, which have become a long-standing practice, have never been without a provocative nature and inherent risks. Recently, they have sought to incorporate nuclear elements into their military alliance, thereby heightening the seriousness of the situation. He added that this evolving situation necessitates North Korea to respond proactively and with overwhelming changes.
Kim also expressed satisfaction with North Korea’s naval nuclear armament plans. The newspaper reported that Kim received a briefing on the testing procedures of the ship’s various weapon systems and the status of the integrated operational system. He expressed satisfaction that the navy’s modernization and nuclear armament tasks are progressing steadily and as planned.
He remarked that through its unceasing struggle and efforts, it will bring about significant and transformative changes in the status and activities of their navy, ensuring that it becomes a reliable force responsible for the national nuclear capability and its application in the near future. Kim added that this means that the naval power will be increasingly suited to executing national defense strategies and effectively exercising war deterrence.
Additionally, Kim emphasized the importance of completing the tasks scheduled for August and September and moving to the next phase of evaluating the ship’s performance and operational capabilities in October as planned.
North Korea has demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening its navy, which is considered relatively weaker than its other military branches. On April 26, it unveiled its first 5,000-ton destroyer, Choe Hyon-ho. Less than a month later, on May 21, it attempted to unveil a second destroyer of the same class, but the ship ran aground during its launch ceremony. However, on June 12, the damaged vessel was repaired, renamed Kang Gun-ho, and a new launch ceremony was held.
Previously, at the launch ceremony for Kang Gun-ho, Kim announced plans to deploy two destroyers of the Choe Hyon class or higher to operational waters each year starting next year. Last month, North Korea held a rally and resolved to construct the third Choe Hyon-class destroyer by October 10, the anniversary of the Workers’ Party founding.
Kim’s inspection of the Choe Hyon-ho coincided with the start of the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) 2025 exercise, which runs until August 28. This timing suggests that the inspection was likely a local guidance effort in response to the U.S.-South Korea joint exercises.
