North Korea Vows Nuclear-Armed Navy as US Ally Drills Open
Kim said nuclear-armed destroyers will strengthen deterrence as the United States, South Korea and Japan press ahead with five-day Freedom Edge drills.
- On Sunday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un commissioned a new destroyer in Wonsan, vowing to develop his navy into a nuclear-armed force as the United States, South Korea, and Japan began their five-day Freedom Edge exercise.
- Established in 2023, the trilateral Freedom Edge exercise runs through Friday in waters off Jeju Island to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. South Korea's military describes the maneuvers as defensive in nature.
- The 5,000-tonne destroyers Kang Kon and Choe Hyon are equipped with nuclear-capable missiles, making them North Korea's most advanced warships. Kim reportedly told the ceremony, "We should make sure that the diversified and effective operation of nuclear combat systems is conducted for an actual war."
- Despite President Donald Trump ordering the Pentagon to 'substantially reduce' the recent Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, North Korea has shown little sign of reciprocating his diplomatic overtures. The regime continues condemning the drills and firing short-range missiles.
- Pyongyang has repeatedly declared itself an 'irreversible' nuclear state since a 2019 summit with Trump in Hanoi collapsed over denuclearization scope. North Korea maintains it could return to talks only if the United States drops its 'hostile policy' and respects its nuclear status.
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DPRK vows to build a nuclear-armed navy
The leader of the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-un vowed to build his country's navy into a nuclear-armed force, state media reported Monday as US allies' maritime drills were to begin. This week's manoeuvres involving Japan, South Korea and the United States were established in 2023 in a response to Pyongyang's missile and nuclear threats. Kim spoke at the commissioning of the Kang Kon — a warship that partially capsized when lau…
North Korea commissions 2nd naval destroyer as US, South Korea and Japan begin a military drill – WTOP News
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un commissioned his second naval destroyer and called for building a more reliable nuclear deterrent, state media reported Monday, as the U.S., South Korea and Japan began a trilateral military exercise he views as a security threat. The development comes as North Korea is dialing...
North Korea vows nuclear-armed navy as US ally drills open
As South Korea, the U.S., and Japan began their regular multi-domain exercise 'Freedom Edge' on the 7th, North Korea deployed the new 5,000-ton class destroyer 'Kang Geon-ho' to the East Sea Fleet.
“We must ensure that the diversified and effective operation of our nuclear combat systems is prepared for real war by developing our navy into a nuclear-weapon force,” Kim Jong-un said.
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