Kim Jong-un, leader of North Korea, labels the Ulchi Freedom Shield military drills as "hostile" and "confrontational"
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently inspected the Choe Hyon destroyer, marking a significant step in Pyongyang's efforts to modernise and nuclear-arm its navy. The event was reported by the Rodong Sinmun on Aug. 19.
The Choe Hyon destroyer, estimated to displace over 5,000 tons, is equipped with advanced radar systems, including a four-sided fixed phased array radar, supporting sophisticated weapons and missile systems integration. During his visit, Kim reviewed the ship's systems and crew training, expressing satisfaction with ongoing modernisation and nuclear armament processes.
Kim's inspection highlights North Korea's strategic emphasis on enhancing its naval power as a deterrent against perceived hostile military cooperation between the US and South Korea. The Choe Hyon destroyer showcases the country's advancement in integrating nuclear-capable cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles on its largest warship ever built.
Notably, Kim observed the deployment of cruise missiles like the Hwasal-2, which has a significant range (1,500–2,000 km) and carries nuclear warheads, demonstrating a melding of naval and nuclear strike capabilities.
This inspection correlates closely with North Korea’s broader military posture of deterrence and defence improvements. Kim framed these developments as necessary responses to regional military exercises and alliances he deems threatening, such as the US-South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield drills.
The event is both a demonstration of increased defensive and offensive naval capability and a political message countering regional military coalitions and upcoming diplomatic summits involving the US, South Korea, and Japan.
In summary, Kim Jong-un's inspection of the Choe Hyon destroyer marks an important milestone in North Korea’s naval modernisation and nuclear weapon integration efforts, enhancing its military capabilities to project power regionally and bolster deterrence amid escalating geopolitical tensions. The event was originally written in Korean and translated into English using bilingual reporter, generative AI tools, and edited by a native English-speaking editor.
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