07.09.2026 10:51
North Korea officially commissioned its 5,000-ton Kang Kon destroyer at a ceremony held in Wonsan. Kim Jong Un, who personally attended the ceremony, said that the second ship of the Choe Hyon class is part of the country's nuclear response system. The destroyer, which will serve in the East Sea Fleet, had listed to its side during its first launch attempt in May 2025 and was subsequently repaired and relaunched.
North Korea has commissioned its second Choe Hyon-class destroyer as part of its recent acceleration of naval modernization. The 5,000-ton warship, named Kang Kon, was formally inducted into the North Korean navy at a ceremony held at Wonsan Port on the country's east coast on September 6.
In addition to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, his wife Ri Sol Ju and daughter Kim Ju Ae also attended the ceremony.
WILL SERVE IN THE EAST SEA FLEET
It was announced that Kang Kon would be deployed with the East Sea Fleet of the North Korean navy. Thus, Pyongyang has put its second modern 5,000-ton destroyer into active service within about three months.
The first ship of the class, Choe Hyon, entered service in June and was deployed to the West Sea Fleet. North Korea now possesses next-generation warships on both the country's east and west coasts.
EMPHASIS ON NUCLEAR CAPABILITY
In his speech at the ceremony, Kim Jong Un did not merely describe Kang Kon as a defense ship. The North Korean leader characterized the vessel as "essentially an attack destroyer," stating that it is an element of the country's nuclear response system.
Kim noted that the next-generation destroyer should deliver a "deadly response" to enemies when necessary, emphasizing the importance of transforming the North Korean navy into a nuclear-armed force.
It is reported that Kang Kon possesses the same weapons systems as Choe Hyon. Choe Hyon-class ships are said to be capable of carrying various missile systems, including cruise missiles assessed to have the capacity to carry nuclear warheads.
FIRST ATTEMPT ENDED IN DISASTER
The process of Kang Kon entering service, however, is quite noteworthy. During its first launch attempt in May 2025, the ship heeled over and partially capsized.
The destroyer was recovered after the accident and relaunched about a month later. The ship subsequently underwent repairs and sea trials.
Last July, North Korea conducted tests of strategic cruise missiles and various weapons systems using Kang Kon.
'8 MONTHS' MESSAGE FROM KIM JONG UN
One of the most striking statements at the ceremony concerned Kim Jong Un's future plans. The North Korean leader stated that an "important plan" to strengthen the navy is being carried out, saying they will show the results to the world within eight months.
Kim did not disclose details of the plan. However, this statement drew attention because North Korea has been working for some time on a project to develop a nuclear-powered submarine.
Pyongyang also plans to build new warships exceeding 5,000 tons and larger warships in the 10,000-ton class in the coming years.
The commissioning of Kang Kon took place just before the US, South Korea, and Japan began their joint Freedom Edge exercise, which will last five days. The North Korean administration regards such joint exercises as a military threat directed against it.