North Korea has deployed its new 5,000-ton destroyer, the 'Ganggeonho,' to its Eastern Fleet. Kim Jong Un stated that the Ganggeonho is part of the country's nuclear response system, signaling a commitment to enhance the navy's nuclear capabilities.
The North Korean state media reported that the commissioning ceremony for the Ganggeonho, the second ship of the Choi Hyun class, took place on September 6 at Wonsan Port, attended by Kim. North Korea claims to have verified the ship's combat performance and reliability through a series of evaluation tests following its launch.
In his speech at the commissioning ceremony, Kim emphasized that the navy's nuclear armament is being realized and is becoming more suitable, diversified, and practical for deterrence. He defined the Ganggeonho as a means and capability included in the national nuclear response system. Kim instructed the crew that if adversaries attempt to use force against them, he would command them to use the most devastating absolute power, calling for a 'decisive retaliatory strike' if such orders are given.
The Ganggeonho and the Choi Hyun class destroyer, which was deployed to the Western Fleet in June, share the same class and weapon systems. However, Kim highlighted the significance of the Ganggeonho's deployment, noting that the East Sea is a key area where North Korea is exposed to direct military threats during joint exercises involving the U.S. and South Korea or trilateral drills with Japan.
He stated, 'The formal commissioning of the Ganggeonho into the East Sea naval force and the construction of naval bases in the East Sea are clear signals to our enemies,' adding, 'It is now time for us to exercise our sovereignty at sea and underwater.'
Kim also hinted at the possibility of revealing additional naval capabilities, stating, 'We are currently executing important plans to strengthen naval power, and I will prove it to the world in eight months.' While he did not specify the plans, there is speculation that they may relate to North Korea's ongoing construction of nuclear-powered submarines.
North Korea has identified the possession of nuclear submarines and underwater-launched nuclear strategic weapons as key tasks for its defense development. In March of last year, it revealed the construction site of a 'nuclear-powered strategic cruise missile submarine,' and in December, it showcased the entire hull of a presumed 8,700-ton nuclear submarine.
The Ganggeonho, which experienced a capsizing incident during its launch in May of last year, was raised 22 days after the accident, and the commissioning ceremony was held. Last month, Kim observed tests of the ship's weapon systems, indicating that its commissioning was imminent.
After his speech, Kim boarded the Ganggeonho to inspect the combat command space and took commemorative photos with the crew. Photos released by North Korean media also captured his wife, Ri Sol-ju, and daughter, Ju-ae.
Professor Lim Eul-chul of Kyungnam University’s Far East Institute commented, 'This formalizes the operational deployment of a sea-based nuclear response system and showcases the diversification and practical application of maritime nuclear deterrence through ship-launched nuclear weapons such as tactical nuclear cruise missiles.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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