Kim Jong Un Observes Naval Trials of New Destroyer 'Ganggeonho'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the naval destroyer 'Ganggeonho' with his daughter Ju-ae on June 4, observing its operational capability evaluation trials, according to Korean Central TV on June 6. [Photo=Yonhap News]

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, emphasized the need to strengthen naval capabilities for nuclear deterrence while observing the naval trials of the new 5,000-ton destroyer 'Ganggeonho,' which had previously run aground during its launch ceremony last year.
According to Yonhap News on June 6, the Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim visited the 'Ganggeonho' on June 4, where operational capability evaluation trials were underway.
Kim boarded the destroyer to assess the status of the integrated command center, combat workspaces, trial navigation plans, and the schedule for testing the ship's armament systems.
He praised the destroyer's crew for their operational capabilities, stating, "The ship's cruising and high-speed maneuvering systems are exceptionally capable of meeting operational requirements."
Kim asserted, "To deter war and maintain peace, we must possess a practical and powerful military force capable of responsibly exercising military sovereignty in any space—land, sea, or air. This is the unwavering principle of our party and national defense policy."
He specifically highlighted the importance of naval power in reliably contributing to nuclear deterrence, stating that the rapid enhancement of capabilities to deliver lethal strikes on the enemy at any moment from underwater and on the surface is a key task in the party's new five-year defense development policy.
Kim also mentioned the development and production of underwater secret weapons and the construction of new 10,000-ton destroyers as part of the navy's modernization five-year plan, expressing optimism that these plans would be implemented.
In March, during a visit to another new 5,000-ton destroyer named 'Choi Hyun-ho,' Kim had referenced plans for an 8,000-ton destroyer, and now he has revealed intentions for a 10,000-ton destroyer.
Last May, during the launch ceremony, 'Ganggeonho' capsized while being launched, prompting Kim to express outrage, calling it a "serious major accident and a criminal act," and he ordered accountability for those involved.
North Korea conducted a second launch ceremony 22 days after the incident, but questions about the destroyer's operational status have persisted. The recent public display of 'Ganggeonho's' naval trials is interpreted as an attempt to showcase the ship's operational capabilities both domestically and internationally.
Additionally, photos released on this occasion showed Kim's daughter Ju-ae accompanying him. She was seen examining the ship's operational systems alongside Kim and leading the way on the deck in the rain.

* This article has been translated by AI.

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