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2mo ago

North Korea Pledges Third 5,000-Ton Destroyer by October 2026

A Nampho Shipyard rally set an October 2026 target to coincide with the Workers’ Party anniversary, reinforcing Kim Jong Un’s directive for annual destroyer production

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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

  • State-run KCNA announced construction of a third 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class destroyer with a completion deadline of October 10, 2026
  • Workers at Nampho Shipyard held a rally vowing to meet the anniversary-linked timeline to bolster the ruling party’s military objectives
  • In June, Kim Jong Un ordered the navy to build two Kang Kon-class or larger destroyers each year starting in 2026
  • Officials describe the vessel program as a means to expand North Korea’s sea-based nuclear and missile delivery platforms
  • Seoul’s military reports suggest the destroyer designs and weapons systems may rely on Russian technical assistance