North Korea vows nuclear-armed navy as US ally drills open
Summary
North Korea has vowed to turn its navy into a nuclear-armed force as US, Japanese and South Korean maritime drills begin near Jeju Island. Kim Jong Un made the remarks at the commissioning of the Kang Kon warship in Wonsan, while tensions remain high over Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear programme.
Key Points
- Kim Jong Un said North Korea should develop its navy into a nuclear-armed force capable of carrying out nuclear combat operations.
- The remarks came at the commissioning of the Kang Kon warship in Wonsan, a vessel that partially capsized during its May 2025 launch.
- US, Japanese and South Korean drills called Freedom Edge began in international waters east and south of Jeju Island.
- Pyongyang continues to reject US overtures and has condemned reduced drills, arms sales to South Korea and other Washington measures.
