Kim Orders Construction of 10,000-Tonne Warship as North Korea Expands Naval Ambitions

North Korean leader  has directed the country's navy to begin building a 10,000-tonne destroyer and accelerate the development of advanced underwater weapons, according to state media reports.

The announcement came after Kim inspected naval assets, including the 5,000-tonne destroyers Kang Kon and Choe Hyon, as part of a series of visits to military and defense facilities. During the inspections, Kim emphasized the need to strengthen North Korea's maritime capabilities to counter growing security threats and enhance deterrence against potential attacks.

The reported plans mark the first public indication that Pyongyang intends to develop a destroyer of such size, signaling a significant expansion of its naval modernization program.

The military activities also come ahead of a scheduled visit by Chinese President  to North Korea, a trip expected to focus on regional security and bilateral relations. Analysts suggest the timing of the announcement may be aimed at showcasing North Korea's military progress before the high-profile diplomatic engagement.

In recent days, Kim has also called for a rapid expansion of the country's nuclear arsenal, underscoring Pyongyang's continued focus on strengthening both its conventional and strategic military capabilities.

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