North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the development of a 10,000-tonne destroyer and new “underwater secret weapons,” state media reported on Saturday, in a fresh display of military ambition ahead of a rare visit to Pyongyang by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to North Korea’s official Rodong Sinmun newspaper, Kim supervised naval tests on Thursday, boarding the 5,000-tonne destroyer Kang Kon and observing another 5,000-tonne warship, the Choe Hyon. He ordered the navy to deploy both vessels as soon as possible and called for a major expansion of the country’s naval power.
Kim said North Korea must strengthen its naval capabilities to deter nuclear war and build powerful military forces across land, sea and air. The announcement came shortly after he called for an “exponential” expansion of the country’s atomic arsenal during a visit to a newly operational nuclear material production facility.
The Kang Kon had partially capsized during a launch ceremony at Chongjin port in May 2025, an accident Kim publicly condemned at the time as a “criminal act.” The vessel was later repaired at Rajin port and relaunched the following month.
State media photographs showed Kim accompanied during the naval inspection by his daughter, believed to be Kim Ju Ae. Her repeated appearances at major military events have continued to draw attention from analysts who view them as part of Pyongyang’s effort to project dynastic continuity.
The timing of the announcement is significant. Xi is scheduled to visit North Korea from June 8 to 9, his first trip to the country in nearly seven years and his second as Chinese president. China remains North Korea’s only formal treaty ally, but Beijing is seeking to reassert influence as Pyongyang deepens military and political ties with Moscow.
Hong Min, a senior analyst at South Korea’s Institute for National Unification, told Reuters that this was the first time North Korea had publicly mentioned plans for a 10,000-tonne destroyer. He said Kim may be trying to showcase the country’s military capabilities before Xi’s arrival.
The announcement adds to growing regional concern over North Korea’s accelerating weapons programmes, including its nuclear arsenal, missile systems and efforts to develop a more capable navy.
