North Korea leader urges nuclear expansion in response to US South Korea threats
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected on August 19, 2025, the destroyer Choe Hyon, a 5,000-ton warship that Pyongyang is developing to equip with cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. This visit, widely covered by state media, was an opportunity for Kim to reiterate his call for a rapid expansion of the country’s nuclear capabilities, justified by what he described as the growing threat posed by the United States and South Korea.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Designed and built at the Nampo shipyard, the Choe Hyon class represents the most ambitious series of combat ships ever undertaken by the North Korean navy (Picture source: KCNA)
During his inspection, Kim was received by Vice Admiral Pak Kwang Sop, commander of the North Korean navy, before meeting with the ship’s crew and discussing their living conditions on board. He was given a detailed technical briefing on the destroyer’s integrated operations system and the trials underway. The leader expressed satisfaction that the steps planned to “make the navy high-tech and nuclear” were proceeding according to schedule, with a full evaluation of capabilities expected in October. He was also briefed on the progress of the third Choe Hyon-class destroyer under construction at the Nampo shipyard, where the lead ship of the series had been launched on April 25.
This class of ships, the largest ever designed by North Korea, represents a turning point for the country’s navy. The second unit, Kang Kon (52), was relaunched in June after a failed launch in May. Kim Jong Un has set the objective of commissioning at least two vessels of this type or larger each year, an ambition that underlines his intention to significantly expand North Korea’s naval power.
The Choe Hyon class illustrates this strategy. Designed and built at the Nampo shipyard, it represents the most ambitious series of combat ships ever undertaken by the North Korean navy. With a displacement of around 5,000 tons, a length between 144 and 145 meters, and a beam of 16 meters, it constitutes a break from previous North Korean naval standards. Four units are planned in total, with two already in service and one currently under construction.
Technically, these destroyers are equipped with modern sensors, including phased array radars, a Type 362 air and surface search radar, three fire-control radars, a hull-mounted sonar, and an IFF system. Electronic protection is provided by R-ESM, R-ECM, and four decoy dispensers. The armament is heavy for a ship of this size, consisting of a 127 or 130 mm naval gun, a Pantsir-ME close-in weapon system, two AK-630 CIWS, and 74 vertical launch system cells for a variety of missiles. The ships also carry anti-ship missiles, Bulsae-4 surface-to-air systems, and 533 mm torpedo tubes. In addition, they feature a flight deck capable of operating a helicopter or UAV, extending their anti-submarine warfare and surveillance capabilities.
Beyond the technical dimension, the Choe Hyon class is part of a broader nuclear strategy. Kim Jong Un stated that “the current situation requires a radical and swift change in existing military theory and practice, as well as an accelerated expansion of nuclearization.” According to his doctrine, these destroyers are intended to serve as naval platforms capable of deploying nuclear-capable missiles, projecting North Korea’s deterrence beyond its land territory. Although they lack the stealth and survivability of nuclear submarines, such ships allow Pyongyang to signal an ability to strike from the sea and complicate adversaries’ operational planning.
These statements come as the United States and South Korea conduct the joint exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 (UFS25), scheduled from August 18 to 28. Presented as a defensive drill, it combines field maneuvers, joint air operations, and multi-domain simulations, including cyber and space. American F-35A and F-35C aircraft are operating alongside South Korean forces, while the USS George Washington aircraft carrier, currently deployed in the Pacific, could join the exercises. Several United Nations Command member states are also participating, with Sweden and Switzerland observing on behalf of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission.
While Washington and Seoul emphasize the strictly defensive nature of these exercises, Pyongyang interprets them as confirmation of a hostile policy. The tone adopted by Kim Jong Un reflects an escalation in rhetoric intended to justify the accelerated militarization of the North Korean fleet. South Korean president Lee Jae Myung recently extended an offer of dialogue, declaring his intention to “respect” the North’s political system and build “military trust,” but Pyongyang rejected this initiative. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, reaffirmed that the North had “no will to improve relations” with Seoul.
In this context, the announcement of Choe Hyon’s nuclear arming marks a decisive step in the transformation of the North Korean navy. It demonstrates Kim Jong Un’s intention to provide his country with a naval force capable of directly threatening U.S. and South Korean forces, while reinforcing its deterrent role in an increasingly militarized regional environment. The trajectory adopted by Pyongyang, combining naval modernization with nuclear expansion, raises concerns of a growing strategic imbalance in Northeast Asia and heightens the risk of escalation in the face of strengthened military cooperation between Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected on August 19, 2025, the destroyer Choe Hyon, a 5,000-ton warship that Pyongyang is developing to equip with cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. This visit, widely covered by state media, was an opportunity for Kim to reiterate his call for a rapid expansion of the country’s nuclear capabilities, justified by what he described as the growing threat posed by the United States and South Korea.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Designed and built at the Nampo shipyard, the Choe Hyon class represents the most ambitious series of combat ships ever undertaken by the North Korean navy (Picture source: KCNA)
During his inspection, Kim was received by Vice Admiral Pak Kwang Sop, commander of the North Korean navy, before meeting with the ship’s crew and discussing their living conditions on board. He was given a detailed technical briefing on the destroyer’s integrated operations system and the trials underway. The leader expressed satisfaction that the steps planned to “make the navy high-tech and nuclear” were proceeding according to schedule, with a full evaluation of capabilities expected in October. He was also briefed on the progress of the third Choe Hyon-class destroyer under construction at the Nampo shipyard, where the lead ship of the series had been launched on April 25.
This class of ships, the largest ever designed by North Korea, represents a turning point for the country’s navy. The second unit, Kang Kon (52), was relaunched in June after a failed launch in May. Kim Jong Un has set the objective of commissioning at least two vessels of this type or larger each year, an ambition that underlines his intention to significantly expand North Korea’s naval power.
The Choe Hyon class illustrates this strategy. Designed and built at the Nampo shipyard, it represents the most ambitious series of combat ships ever undertaken by the North Korean navy. With a displacement of around 5,000 tons, a length between 144 and 145 meters, and a beam of 16 meters, it constitutes a break from previous North Korean naval standards. Four units are planned in total, with two already in service and one currently under construction.
Technically, these destroyers are equipped with modern sensors, including phased array radars, a Type 362 air and surface search radar, three fire-control radars, a hull-mounted sonar, and an IFF system. Electronic protection is provided by R-ESM, R-ECM, and four decoy dispensers. The armament is heavy for a ship of this size, consisting of a 127 or 130 mm naval gun, a Pantsir-ME close-in weapon system, two AK-630 CIWS, and 74 vertical launch system cells for a variety of missiles. The ships also carry anti-ship missiles, Bulsae-4 surface-to-air systems, and 533 mm torpedo tubes. In addition, they feature a flight deck capable of operating a helicopter or UAV, extending their anti-submarine warfare and surveillance capabilities.
Beyond the technical dimension, the Choe Hyon class is part of a broader nuclear strategy. Kim Jong Un stated that “the current situation requires a radical and swift change in existing military theory and practice, as well as an accelerated expansion of nuclearization.” According to his doctrine, these destroyers are intended to serve as naval platforms capable of deploying nuclear-capable missiles, projecting North Korea’s deterrence beyond its land territory. Although they lack the stealth and survivability of nuclear submarines, such ships allow Pyongyang to signal an ability to strike from the sea and complicate adversaries’ operational planning.
These statements come as the United States and South Korea conduct the joint exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 (UFS25), scheduled from August 18 to 28. Presented as a defensive drill, it combines field maneuvers, joint air operations, and multi-domain simulations, including cyber and space. American F-35A and F-35C aircraft are operating alongside South Korean forces, while the USS George Washington aircraft carrier, currently deployed in the Pacific, could join the exercises. Several United Nations Command member states are also participating, with Sweden and Switzerland observing on behalf of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission.
While Washington and Seoul emphasize the strictly defensive nature of these exercises, Pyongyang interprets them as confirmation of a hostile policy. The tone adopted by Kim Jong Un reflects an escalation in rhetoric intended to justify the accelerated militarization of the North Korean fleet. South Korean president Lee Jae Myung recently extended an offer of dialogue, declaring his intention to “respect” the North’s political system and build “military trust,” but Pyongyang rejected this initiative. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, reaffirmed that the North had “no will to improve relations” with Seoul.
In this context, the announcement of Choe Hyon’s nuclear arming marks a decisive step in the transformation of the North Korean navy. It demonstrates Kim Jong Un’s intention to provide his country with a naval force capable of directly threatening U.S. and South Korean forces, while reinforcing its deterrent role in an increasingly militarized regional environment. The trajectory adopted by Pyongyang, combining naval modernization with nuclear expansion, raises concerns of a growing strategic imbalance in Northeast Asia and heightens the risk of escalation in the face of strengthened military cooperation between Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo.
