SEOUL, March 5,  (V7N) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw tests this week of a naval destroyer, declaring Pyongyang is “arming the Navy with nuclear weapons,” state media reported Thursday.  

The drills included a sea-to-surface cruise missile launch, following Kim’s pledge at last month’s Party Congress to expand military capabilities and respond forcefully to threats.  

On Tuesday, Kim inspected a “Choe Hyon” class destroyer launched last year, calling progress “a radical change in defending our maritime sovereignty.” The following day, he oversaw a successful missile launch from the vessel, according to KCNA.  

The 5,000-ton Choe Hyon is one of two destroyers introduced in 2025, with a third under construction. Analysts say the ships may carry short-range tactical missiles capable of nuclear warheads, though Pyongyang has not proven miniaturisation capability.  

Observers view the tests as a show of force amid the US-Israel offensive against Iran and ahead of South Korea-US joint military drills. Reports suggest Washington is exploring a potential summit between US President Donald Trump and Kim later this year.  

END/WD/RH