North Korean leader Kim Jong Un commissioned a new 5,000-ton destroyer named Kang Kon on Sunday at the eastern port of Wonsan, marking the second vessel of its class to enter service. State media reported that Kim called the ship "essentially an offensive destroyer" and part of "the state nuclear counteraction system," capable of delivering deadly retaliatory blows.

The Kang Kon joins the Choe Hyon, which was commissioned in June at Nampo on the west coast. Both vessels are equipped with anti-aircraft, anti-ship, and nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, according to North Korean announcements. Kim attended the ceremony with his daughter Kim Ju Ae and emphasized the navy's role in defending maritime sovereignty as a nuclear war deterrent.

This latest commissioning follows Pyongyang's broader push to expand its naval capabilities despite international sanctions. Kim has previously pledged to build larger 10,000-ton warships in the coming years and to accelerate the nuclear armament of the fleet. The destroyer program has faced setbacks, including the capsizing of the Kang Kon during an earlier launch attempt, but repairs allowed it to proceed to active service.

North Korea's naval modernization comes amid heightened tensions with South Korea and the United States. The regime has framed these developments as necessary responses to joint military exercises by its adversaries. Analysts note that the new destroyers represent a step beyond the North's traditional coastal defense focus toward greater power projection at sea.

KCNA reported that the Kang Kon will join the East Sea Fleet and fulfill missions as a nuclear deterrent. Kim stated that the program to equip the navy with nuclear weapons is advancing as planned and signaled further naval builds ahead.