SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw weapons tests this week of the 5,000-tonne destroyer Kang Kon, including cruise missile launches and "electronic warfare means", state media reported. The naval vessel was notably the one that tipped over last year during its launch ceremony, but was later repaired.
The tests took place on Friday, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, less than two weeks after another 5,000-tonne destroyer, the Choe Hyon, entered military service. During that commissioning ceremony, Kim vowed to equip his navy with nuclear weapons and develop new 10,000-tonne warships.
After the weapons test, Kim "gave an instruction to complete the trial process of the destroyer in a responsible manner and commission it for the Navy within two months," KCNA said. While reiterating the need to strengthen the country's "war deterrent", Kim also pledged to demonstrate North Korea's determination to possess "absolute power", KCNA said. Analysts said Kim's instruction to commission the vessel within two months could be linked to a major political anniversary. — AFP
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