N. Korea says to build additional 5,000-ton destroyer by Oct. 2026

This file photo, published by the Korean Central News Agency on June 13, 2025, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, center, attending the launch ceremony of the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon on June 12, 2025, accompanied by his daughter. Yonhap

North Korea plans to build an additional 5,000-ton destroyer by October next year, state media reported Tuesday, following the launch of two such military vessels earlier this year.

Workers at a dockyard in the western coastal city of Nampho held a rally the previous day, vowing to "build one more new destroyer by Oct. 10, 2026," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. In North Korea, Oct. 10 marks the anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.

In April, North Korea unveiled its first 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, as it scrambles to bolster its naval warfare capabilities.

In June, another destroyer of the same class, the Kang Kon, was launched after repairs, a month after the vessel had tipped over and sustained damage during its initial launch attempt in May.

During the June launch ceremony, state leader Kim Jong-un ordered the construction of two Kang Kon-class or larger destroyers annually starting in 2026.

The KCNA quoted the manager of the Nampho dockyard as urging workers to complete the construction of the new vessel on time to "uphold the party's plan to build a powerful military."

North Korea appears to be shifting its focus to building naval vessels as part of efforts to diversify delivery systems for its nuclear and missile weapons, which are reportedly in the final stages of development.