North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, has taken a significant step in military advancement with the commissioning of a new naval destroyer. The Choe Hyon, a 5,000-ton warship, stands as the largest vessel North Korea has ever constructed. It is reportedly equipped with missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Kim Jong-un participated in a ceremony on Tuesday at Nampo port, situated southwest of Pyongyang, to mark the official commissioning of the warship. State media covered the event, highlighting the destroyer as a symbol of Kim’s ambition to expand and nuclearize the nation’s naval capabilities.

During the ceremony, Kim stated that the navy was now entering “full-fledged service.” He emphasized that the initiative to arm the navy with nuclear weapons was progressing according to plan. This development marks a shift in North Korea’s naval strategy, as its fleet had previously been limited to coastal duties, with most vessels dating back to the Soviet era.

The expansion of North Korea’s navy aligns with Kim’s broader military strategies, including a partnership with Russia. North Korea has been providing weapons and troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. In return, Russia is believed to be supplying North Korea with oil, food, technology, and materials for military modernization. Analysts suspect that recent missile tests from the Choe Hyon might feature Russian technology, particularly noting the inclusion of a supersonic cruise missile.

Historically, North Korea’s nuclear program focused on ballistic missiles due to the absence of nuclear-capable aircraft or submarines. However, Kim has prioritized advancing naval nuclear capabilities. North Korea has tested submarine-launched ballistic missiles, displayed the hull of a so-called nuclear-powered submarine, and developed unmanned underwater vehicles designed to carry nuclear payloads.