22-07-2025
North Korea starts building third new-class destroyer: State media
North Korean media say the country has begun building its third new-class destroyer, reportedly capable of carrying ballistic missiles.
Tuesday's edition of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported that employees of a shipyard in the western city of Nampho had gathered to start building another 5,000-ton destroyer.
The newspaper said the workers aim to finish building the vessel by October 10 next year, the anniversary of the founding of the ruling Korean Workers' Party.
North Korea has launched two destroyers of the same class this year, said to be capable of carrying ballistic and cruise missiles.
The North's leader Kim Jong Un has said he plans to build two destroyers of the same or even larger class every year.
South Korean experts have noted that the destroyers' air defense and missile systems appear to resemble those of Russia's. This has fueled speculation that Moscow is providing technological and equipment support in exchange for ammunition and troop deployments from Pyongyang.
In May, a ceremony was held to mark the launch of the second destroyer, but it tipped onto its side and partially submerged. The incident drew sharp criticism from the North Korean leader. The vessel was said to be launched in June following repairs.
