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North Korea Commits to Build Third 5,000-Ton Destroyer by October 2026

This follows Kim Jong Un’s directive for yearly destroyer production to boost maritime deterrence.

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This file photo, published by the Korean Central News Agency on June 13, 2025, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C, black suit) attending the launch ceremony on June 12, 2025, of the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon, accompanied by his daughter (white ensemble). (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • Nampho dockyard workers pledged at a rally to complete the third 5,000-ton destroyer by Oct. 10, 2026, marking the Workers’ Party of Korea anniversary.
  • The new warship will follow the Choe Hyon, unveiled in April, and the Kang Kon, relaunched in June after capsizing during its May launch.
  • In June, Kim Jong Un ordered construction of two Kang Kon–class or larger destroyers each year starting in 2026 to expand naval strike capabilities.
  • Shipyard officials face strict deadlines and accountability measures as they work to uphold party directives and defend maritime sovereignty.
  • South Korea’s military has suggested North Korea received Russian technical assistance for the destroyer program, possibly linked to Pyongyang’s troop deployments to Ukraine.