North Korea should build two warships a year in next five years, Kim says

North Korea should build two warships each year for the next five years, Kim Jong Un said, expanding the country’s naval capacity plan. Speaking at the commissioning of the multipurpose destroyer Choe Hyon, Kim told North Korean state media KCNA that the ships should be as large as the 5,000-metric-ton Choe Hyon vessel. The destroyer completed military operational tests over the prior 14 months. Kim also said North Korea plans to deploy another 5,000-ton destroyer, Kang Kon, and 10,000-ton strategic warships soon. The Kang Kon was repaired after partially capsizing during a launch event last year. He further called for a shift in the navy’s status and operations, and said nuclearization is advancing to support deterrence.