Nuclear-Armed Navy

Leader Kim Jong Un vowed to build North Korea's navy into a nuclear-armed force, state media reported Monday as US allies' maritime drills kicked off. This week's manoeuvres involving Japan, South Korea and the United States were established in 2023 to deter Pyongyang's missile and nuclear threats.

Kim's comments came at the commissioning of the Kang Kon, a warship that partially capsized when launched in May 2025, in the port city of Wonsan on Sunday. "We should make sure that the diversified and effective operation of nuclear combat systems is conducted for an actual war through developing our navy into a nuclear armed force," Kim reportedly told the ceremony.

Eight months

Photos released of Kim showed him accompanied by his daughter, Ju Ae, who is reportedly designated as a successor. Kim also said North Korea was carrying out an "important plan" to strengthen its navy that would be demonstrated to the world "in eight months" -- potentially foreshadowing the unveiling of a new submarine capable of carrying submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

This week's US allies' drills, dubbed Freedom Edge, are set to run to Friday in international waters east and south of South Korea's Jeju Island. The manoeuvres have pushed ahead despite President Donald Trump curtailing another set of drills with South Korea as he aims to reopen diplomacy with Pyongyang. Despite Trump's overtures, North Korea has shown little sign of reciprocating, firing missiles and condemning the downsized drills.