Key facts
- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for expanding the country's nuclear arsenal to "overtake the world."
- Kim Jong-un announced plans to equip the navy with nuclear weapons.
- North Korea plans to build two 5,000-ton warships annually for five years.
- Plans include launching 10,000-ton strategic warships.
- Kim Jong-un attended the commissioning ceremony of the new destroyer Choe Hyon.
- The ruling Workers' Party of Korea reaffirmed commitment to nuclear force expansion and criticized Seoul-Washington alliance.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has announced plans to equip the nation's navy with nuclear weapons and significantly expand its warship construction program. During the commissioning ceremony for the new destroyer Choe Hyon, Kim stated that North Korea would build two 5,000-ton warships annually for the next five years, with plans to subsequently launch 10,000-ton strategic vessels. He emphasized that the program to arm the navy with nuclear weapons is proceeding as planned and is crucial for multifaceted operations. Kim also reiterated the goal of expanding the country's nuclear arsenal to "overtake the world." The ruling Workers' Party of Korea reaffirmed its commitment to nuclear force expansion and criticized the military alliance between Seoul and Washington. Additionally, significant party leadership changes were announced, with Jo Yong-won elected as secretary of the central committee and Kim Jae-ryong removed from key posts.