Pyongyang: North Korea announced on Friday the successful launch of a 5,000-ton destroyer, named the Kang Kon, which had previously been damaged during its initial launch attempt in May. Leader Kim Jong-un attended the launch ceremony at the Rajin shipyard and revealed plans to construct two additional destroyers of the same class next year.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the destroyer Kang Kon is named after North Korea's first chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, who was killed during the Korean War. Kim praised the rapid repair efforts that restored the vessel within two weeks, following its partial submersion during the first launch in Chongjin. He criticized the initial accident as a grave error, attributing it to "absolute carelessness" and "irresponsibility."

Kim disclosed that the Central Military Commission has approved the construction of two more 5,000-ton-class destroyers. He justified this move by citing growing threats from the United States and other adversaries, pledging to counter such threats with "absolute military actions." This announcement comes amid reports of a diplomatic overture by former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose letter to Kim was reportedly refused by North Korean diplomats.

During the ceremony, Kim expressed condolences for the death of a dockyard manager following the failed launch attempt in May, promising to honor him as a patriotic martyr. The event was attended by Kim's daughter Ju-ae and high-ranking officials, including Defense Minister No Kwang-chol and Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui. Photos also suggested a change in the navy's leadership, with Pak Kwang-sop appearing to have replaced Kim Myong-sik as chief navy commander.