North Korea’s naval buildup continues as the country commits to building a third 5,000-ton-class destroyer by next year. State media reported this new development on Tuesday, highlighting the regime’s push to expand maritime military strength.
On Monday, a rally was held at the Nampo Shipyard, a major center for naval production. There, workers pledged to complete the third warship by October 10, 2026. Notably, this date coincides with the anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.
Moreover, Yun Chi-gol, who heads the shipyard, addressed the gathering. He said the shipbuilders would demonstrate their “creative strength and unyielding spirit.” The rally also featured Party Secretary Cho Chun-ryong, alongside engineers and workers from the shipbuilding sector.
This announcement signals North Korea’s continuing strategy to showcase its nuclear and missile capabilities at sea. The country is now focusing on developing platforms that could potentially carry nuclear weapons aboard naval vessels.
Earlier this year, the regime revealed two destroyers in the same class. In April, North Korea unveiled the Choe Hyon-ho, its first 5,000-ton-class warship. Then, the shipyard planned to launch the second vessel on May 21, but it ran aground during the ceremony. After workers repaired it, they relaunched it on June 12 with the name Kang Gun-ho.
During the Kang Gun-ho launch, Kim Jong-un shared the country’s future naval ambitions. He declared that North Korea would launch at least two Choe Hyon-class or larger destroyers annually from next year.
Consequently, the naval buildup aims to strengthen North Korea’s maritime defense and project power in regional waters. Each new warship reflects Pyongyang’s resolve to build a more formidable navy.
Meanwhile, South Korea has responded to these developments. On Tuesday, the Joint Chiefs of Staff released a brief statement. “Our military is closely tracking and monitoring North Korea’s weapons development activities,” they said, without offering additional comments.
Ultimately, this growing naval buildup could shift the military balance in the region. With new warships on the horizon, North Korea is making clear that its maritime ambitions are only accelerating.
