On September 6 (local time), according to AFP citing North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made the above statement at the ceremony to put the Kang Kon warship into service in the port city of Wonsan.
The North Korean leader requested to develop the navy into a nuclear-powered force, while ensuring that nuclear warfare systems can be operated diversely and effectively in actual war conditions.
Mr. Kim also emphasized that new generation destroyers must be able to carry out retaliatory strikes against the enemy whenever ordered. According to him, these ships will become part of North Korea's nuclear response system.
The Kang Kon ship once encountered a serious incident when launched in May 2025, causing part of the hull to capsize. This is one of two 5,000-ton warships launched by North Korea last year.
Mr. Kim supervised the Kang Kon test in July, more than a year after the incident when the ship was launched.
Images released by KCNA show Mr. Kim appearing with his daughter Ju Ae at the ceremony. She is believed to have the ability to succeed her father to lead North Korea.
Mr. Kim's statement was made as the Freedom Edge naval exercise between the US, South Korea and Japan is about to begin.
The exercise was established in 2023 to respond to Pyongyang's missile and nuclear development programs. This year, the activity takes place in international waters east and south of Jeju Island of South Korea, expected to last until September 11.
The exercises continue to be conducted in the context of US President Donald Trump seeking to resume dialogue with Pyongyang on the nuclear program.
Last month, the US and South Korea concluded the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise. Under the direction of US President Donald Trump, the exercise was shortened from 11 days to 5 days due to high costs and to maintain relations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
