North Korea unveils advanced destroyer at naval ceremony

• North Korea unveiled a new destroyer equipped with the "most powerful weapon," a missile destroyer.
• It has been named Choe Hyon in honor of a deceased revolutionary fighter.
• The launching ceremony took place at the port of Nampho in the presence of Kim Jong Un and his daughter.

The ship, with a displacement of approximately 5,500 tons, was built in a record time of around 400 days, "solely by North Korea's forces and technology."

The vessel aims to enhance air defense, anti-submarine, and surface combat capabilities. It can also be armed with strategic cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles.

Kim Jong Un emphasized that the vessel strengthens the ability to "accurately defend maritime sovereignty" and is "an important step towards naval power." He also announced the construction of more ships of this class and the development of "nuclear-powered submarines."

The North Korean leader accused the United States of "conducting aggressive exercises simulating nuclear attacks" on his country, as part of joint operations with South Korean forces. "We will decisively respond to these geopolitical changes and trends and take appropriate countermeasures," announced Kim.

Experts cited by the South Korean agency Yonhap highlight the ship's vertical launch systems, Aegis radar, and advanced artillery system. "It seems that the ship carries dozens of VLS (Vertical Launch System) cells capable of launching various types of missiles, including cruise missiles," said Ju Yong Won, a former military reporter. According to him, North Korea aims to build platforms capable of conducting nuclear attacks from the sea.

The South Korean General Staff declared that they are monitoring North Korea's actions in cooperation with the USA.