North Korea commissions 2nd destroyer during US, South Korea and Japan war games

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has commissioned his second naval destroyer as the United States, South Korea and Japan conduct trilateral military exercises, dubbed “Freedom Edge,” on Monday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has commissioned his second naval destroyer as the United States, South Korea and Japan conduct trilateral military exercises, dubbed “Freedom Edge,” on Monday.

According to South Korea’s military, the exercises are defensive in nature and designed to enhance joint response capabilities against North Korean nuclear threats.

Amid the joint military drills, which Kim views as a security threat to his country, he also called for building a more reliable nuclear deterrent, according to media reports.

The commissioning ceremony was held in the eastern port city of Wonsan on Sunday and was attended by Kim Jong Un and his daughter.

The commissioning of the ship comes as Pyongyang is increasing pressure on Washington in an effort to extract greater concessions from the United States, analysts said.

In a speech at the ceremony, Kim said the back-to-back commissioning of the warships was aimed at striking fear in hostile countries and ensuring the country’s nuclear deterrent is effective in practice.

“Concerns of the enemies will surely be deepened. We must establish more clearly a powerful and reliable nuclear war deterrent, to put into practice the diverse and effective operation of our nuclear combat systems and further strengthen our military activities for maritime defense and war deterrence,” Kim said.

North Korea now possesses two 5,000-ton destroyers capable of carrying various conventional and nuclear weapons.

In July, North Korea said it had test-fired nuclear-capable cruise missiles from the Kang Kon.

North Korea is reportedly pursuing a major new naval project slated for unveiling in eight months. The project is believed to align with Kim Jong Un’s ambition to build a nuclear-powered submarine.