Kathmandu— North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has commissioned a new warship, the Kang Kon, which he says can deliver “annihilating retaliatory strikes” in response to threats. The vessel, named after a military leader killed during the Korean War, was formally deployed at a ceremony in Wonsan Port, Kangwon Province, on Sunday. Kim emphasized the need for North Korea to defend its sovereignty at sea and under water, amid ongoing tensions with the United States and South Korea.

Commissioning of the Kang Kon

The Kang Kon, named after the North Korean military leader who was killed in action during the Korean War, was formally deployed at a ceremony at the eastern Wonsan Port in Kangwon Province on Sunday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the commissioning and stated that the warship represents the self-respect and will of North Korea to defend its rights and interests. Kim also mentioned that the time has come for North Korea to exercise its sovereignty at sea and under water, and that dangerous shadows must be erased, citing constant threats in the “sea east of the Korean Peninsula and nearby waters.”

Modernization of North Korea’s Navy

The Kang Kon is part of North Korea’s accelerated efforts to modernize its navy as Kim pursues a broader expansion of the country’s nuclear-capable forces. The warship is said to have the same weapons systems as the 5,000-tonne warship Choe Hyon, which was launched in June. KCNA did not specify what weapons systems might be deployed on the Kang Kon, but it is known that the Choe Hyon-class destroyers can carry a range of weapons, including missiles that analysts say are capable of carrying a nuclear payload. The Kang Kon underwent several launches and repairs before completing weapons testing in July this year. Kim has also announced plans to demonstrate another stage of North Korea’s naval buildup in eight months, without giving further details.

Context of Tensions

North Korea has accelerated its naval modernization efforts amid ongoing tensions with the United States and South Korea. The Korean Peninsula remains technically at war, and Kim has accused the allies of driving the region “to the brink of a nuclear war.” The deployment of the Kang Kon is framed as a deterrent against perceived threats from Washington and Seoul. The country has also announced plans to construct naval bases on its east coast and create new naval units and build different classes of warships.

Kim has indicated that the Kang Kon will be part of North Korea’s nuclear response system and will strengthen the country’s naval forces. The deployment of this vessel is seen as a significant step in North Korea’s military modernization efforts.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.