North Korea Announces Plan to Build 10,000-Ton Destroyer Ahead of Xi Jinping's Visit
North Korean state media reported that Pyongyang plans to build a 10,000-ton destroyer and develop secret underwater weapons systems, just before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang. Leader Kim Jong Un ordered the rapid deployment of the 'Kang Kon' destroyer and the 'Choe Hyon' warship after inspecting naval tests. Analysts say the move aims to showcase military capabilities ahead of Xi's visit.
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- 📰 Published: June 6, 2026 at 15:07
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(Central News Agency, Seoul, 6th, Comprehensive Foreign News) North Korean state media reported today that Pyongyang plans to build a 10,000-ton destroyer and develop a secret underwater weapons system. The news comes on the eve of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang.
According to the Rodong Sinmun, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected naval tests on the 4th and ordered the rapid deployment of the 'Kang Kon' destroyer and another 5,000-ton warship, the 'Choe Hyon'.
Photos published by the Rodong Sinmun show Kim Jong Un inspecting the vessels, reportedly accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju-ae.
Analyst Hong Min from the Korea Institute for National Unification stated that this is the first time North Korea has mentioned plans to build a 10,000-ton destroyer. Kim Jong Un may want to showcase North Korea's military capabilities ahead of Xi Jinping's scheduled visit from the 8th to the 9th.
The Rodong Sinmun quoted Kim Jong Un as saying that Pyongyang must strengthen its naval capabilities to deter nuclear war, while also calling for simultaneous improvements in the army, navy, and air force.
This will be Xi Jinping's first visit to North Korea in nearly seven years. Beijing is seen as aiming to solidify ties with North Korea, which is the only country with which China has a military alliance treaty.
Before the announcement of this visit, Kim Jong Un inspected another newly opened nuclear material production facility on the 4th and called for an 'exponential' expansion of the nuclear arsenal.
North Korea stated in May 2025 that a 5,000-ton destroyer had an accident during its launch ceremony at Chongjin port, damaging its bottom. Kim Jong Un personally supervised the ceremony and condemned the incident as an 'unforgivable criminal act.'
The warship was later repaired at the Rajin shipyard, and a second launch ceremony was held the following month, naming it the 'Kang Kon'. (Editor: Shi Shi) 1150606
According to the Rodong Sinmun, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected naval tests on the 4th and ordered the rapid deployment of the 'Kang Kon' destroyer and another 5,000-ton warship, the 'Choe Hyon'.
Photos published by the Rodong Sinmun show Kim Jong Un inspecting the vessels, reportedly accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju-ae.
Analyst Hong Min from the Korea Institute for National Unification stated that this is the first time North Korea has mentioned plans to build a 10,000-ton destroyer. Kim Jong Un may want to showcase North Korea's military capabilities ahead of Xi Jinping's scheduled visit from the 8th to the 9th.
The Rodong Sinmun quoted Kim Jong Un as saying that Pyongyang must strengthen its naval capabilities to deter nuclear war, while also calling for simultaneous improvements in the army, navy, and air force.
This will be Xi Jinping's first visit to North Korea in nearly seven years. Beijing is seen as aiming to solidify ties with North Korea, which is the only country with which China has a military alliance treaty.
Before the announcement of this visit, Kim Jong Un inspected another newly opened nuclear material production facility on the 4th and called for an 'exponential' expansion of the nuclear arsenal.
North Korea stated in May 2025 that a 5,000-ton destroyer had an accident during its launch ceremony at Chongjin port, damaging its bottom. Kim Jong Un personally supervised the ceremony and condemned the incident as an 'unforgivable criminal act.'
The warship was later repaired at the Rajin shipyard, and a second launch ceremony was held the following month, naming it the 'Kang Kon'. (Editor: Shi Shi) 1150606