On Wednesday, North Korea announced that its leader, Kim Jong Un, watched the first test launches of missiles from a new destroyer. He also urged faster development of the navy’s nuclear attack power.

Last week, North Korea revealed the 5,000-ton warship, claiming it has the most powerful weapons ever built by its navy. Kim called it a big step forward in reaching his goal of extending the military’s reach and improving its ability to carry out preemptive nuclear strikes. Foreign experts believe this is North Korea’s first destroyer and think it was probably built with help from Russia. While North Korea’s navy is not as advanced as South Korea’s, experts still see the new destroyer as a serious security concern because it could strengthen North Korea’s ability to attack and defend. According to North Korea’s official news agency, KCNA, leader Kim Jong Un observed tests of the destroyer’s supersonic and long-range cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, automatic guns, and electronic jamming guns earlier this week.

Kim praised the ship for combining strong attack weapons with traditional defence systems and gave instructions to speed up the process of adding nuclear weapons to the navy, the report added. At the launch ceremony of the warship, Kim announced that the destroyer will be ready for deployment early next year. He mentioned that his next major goal is to acquire a nuclear-powered submarine to further strengthen his navy. Kim stressed the importance of boosting North Korea's defence power in response to what he described as growing hostility from the United States and its allies. According to Lee Illwoo, a South Korean defence expert with the Korea Defence Network, an analysis of the warship's photos suggests that its anti-air radar system likely comes from Russia. He also noted that the ship's engine and some of its anti-air weapons probably originated from Russia as well. North Korea and Russia have been strengthening their military and other partnerships in recent years. 

North Korea has been sending troops and regular weapons to help Russia in its war against Ukraine. The United States, South Korea, and their allies are concerned that in return, Russia might give North Korea advanced weapons technology. This could improve North Korea’s nuclear program and also include other military and economic support. Lee mentioned that North Korea has deployed a warship with a modern radar system off its west coast, which could greatly improve the air defence of Pyongyang, the capital. He noted that even though South Korea has 12 destroyers and is still far ahead of North Korea in naval power, this new North Korean destroyer, which can carry around 80 missiles, is still a serious threat. That’s because South Korea’s navy probably hasn’t prepared for facing a warship like this. 

Tensions are rising on the Korean Peninsula as North Korea keeps testing weapons to expand its nuclear and missile programs. On Monday, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it has sent soldiers to help Russia in its war against Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea and said he would remember the sacrifices made by North Korean troops for Russia.