North Korea’s Kim Ramps Up ‘War Preparations’, Inspects Warships

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently inspected warships at a shipyard, highlighting his nation’s intensified efforts towards “war preparations,” according to state media reports on Friday.

Amidst declarations of South Korea as North Korea’s “principal enemy,” the abandonment of reunification and outreach initiatives, and threats of war for any territorial encroachments, Kim’s actions underscore the heightened militaristic stance of his regime. His inspection follows the celebrated test launch of a new strategic cruise missile from a submarine, a development he touted as pivotal for North Korea’s naval advancement.

During his visit to the Nampho Dockyard, located approximately 65 kilometres southwest of Pyongyang, Kim emphasised the crucial role of naval strength in safeguarding the country’s maritime sovereignty and advancing war preparedness. This visit was covered in detail by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kim’s strategic objectives, outlined during a key party congress in 2021, include acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine, developing a hypersonic warhead, launching spy satellites, and creating solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles.

While at the Nampho shipbuilding base, Kim reviewed the progress of several warships under construction and the initial steps towards realising a “new huge plan” mandated by the ruling party, although specifics of the plan remain undisclosed.

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The North Korean leader expressed his anticipation for the dockyard workers to achieve global standards in constructing significant warships, as reported by KCNA.

Notably, North Korea announced the launch of its first “tactical nuclear attack submarine” last year, a claim met with scepticism by Seoul’s military regarding its operational status. Experts have speculated that the vessel, seemingly a modification of a design originating from the 1950s, might exhibit considerable limitations and vulnerabilities as a strategic platform.