Kim Ju-ae joins DPRK leader as repaired destroyer undergoes navigation test

Kim Jong-un Inspects Naval Destroyer

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong-un visited the naval destroyer Kang Kon to oversee a navigation test, calling for strengthening the country’s naval capabilities and expanding its role in nuclear deterrence, according to state media.

Footage reportedly recorded on Thursday shows Kim, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju-ae, inspecting naval systems and observing operations aboard the vessel as it sailed in an undisclosed location.

According to Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim stressed the need to rapidly develop the navy into a force “capable of reliably taking charge of a part of the nuclear war deterrent,” describing naval modernisation as a key component of the country’s defence strategy.

Naval Modernisation and Nuclear Deterrence

He said building a powerful navy capable of carrying out operations both above and below the water and contributing to nuclear deterrence was ‘the most important core task’ of the ruling party’s five-year national defence development plan.

Kim also reportedly expressed confidence that major naval projects, including the development of ‘underwater secret weapons’ and the construction of 10,000-tonne destroyers, would be completed by the country’s defence industry and scientific sector, and ordered the commissioning of the Choe Hyon and Kang Kon destroyers ‘as soon as possible’.

Xi Jinping’s Upcoming DPRK Visit

The announcement comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit the DPRK from June 8 to 9, following a series of high-level meetings with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin last month.

The 5,000-tonne Kang Kon has faced setbacks during its development. The destroyer tipped over and sustained damage during its initial launch attempt in May 2025, prompting Kim to condemn the incident as an act of ‘absolute carelessness’ and ‘irresponsibility’. He subsequently ordered the vessel to be repaired before a key party meeting later that year.