North Korean state news agency KCNA reported on October 6 that Kim Jong-un's leader visited the Choe Hyon Ship Area as part of a defense exhibition, where he stressed the need for the navy to always be ready to "prevent, counterattack and punish provincial actions by the enemy".
According to KCNA, this annual defense exhibition is held to promote the "notable development" of the North Korean army, demonstrating a step forward in modernizing the national defense capabilities. Mr. Kim Jong-un highly appreciated the efforts of the naval force and affirmed that increasing the strength at sea is a key factor in Pyongyang's defense strategy.
Experts from SI Analytics, based in South Korea, said satellite images in September showed that North Korea had begun installing engines for the Choe Hyon destroy ship and was expected to be able to conduct sea trials in the near future. However, it is unclear when the ship will officially enter service.
Kim Jong-un's appearance at the exhibition is reminiscent of an event in May, when a Choe Hyon class destroy ship tilted during a failed launch he attended directly. At the time, Mr. Kim Jong-un criticized the incident as a "criminal act" and demanded strict handling of those involved.
While North Korea continues to promote its military modernization program, the US and its allies South Korea and Japan are also strengthening their naval strength to respond to rising tensions in the region.
Observers say Pyongyang's move clearly demonstrates its determination to maintain its strategic position and military deterrence capabilities, especially in the context of increasingly fierce competition.
