North Korea commissions 5,000‑ton submarine and plans larger nuclear‑armed warships

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un inaugurated the 5,000‑ton submarine Choe Hyon at a ceremony in the port city of Nampo on 23 June, describing the vessel as a symbol of the country’s growing naval and nuclear capabilities. State news agency KCNA reported that the navy will assign the ship to protect the western coast and that a second 5,000‑ton class, Kang Kon, will soon enter service.

Kim announced that the regime intends to build 10,000‑ton strategic warships, including nuclear‑armed submarines, and that two such vessels will be constructed each year. He said the nuclear armament of the navy is progressing “according to plan” and is essential for maintaining a ready national nuclear force. The statements were made during a broader party meeting in which Kim warned that the military modernisation of South Korea and the United States is pushing the region toward the brink of a nuclear war.