North Korea commissions destroyer Kim calls nuclear-capable after earlier failed launch

North Korea has commissioned the 5,000-ton-class destroyer Kang Kon into its East Sea Fleet at Wonsan, marking the second Choe Hyon-class warship to enter service in roughly three months. Leader Kim Jong Un said the destroyer is part of the country’s nuclear counteraction system and should be capable of delivering a retaliatory strike, while vowing to develop the navy into a nuclear-armed force. The vessel previously partially capsized during a failed launch in May 2025 but was repaired, relaunched and tested with missiles, naval guns and electronic-warfare systems before entering service. Kim said North Korea would continue expanding its naval forces and demonstrate another stage of the buildup within eight months, though the specific weapons aboard Kang Kon remain unclear.