North Korea’s Naval Ambitions: A New 5,000-Ton Destroyer on the Horizon!

North Korea has announced that it plans to build a third 5,000-ton-class destroyer by next year in a bid to further enhance its naval capabilities, according to state media on Tuesday.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported that workers at the crucial Nampo Shipyard held a rally on Monday, pledging to complete the new warship by October 10, 2026, which coincides with the founding anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.

Shipyard director Yun Chi-gol stated that the project would once again showcase the “creative strength and unyielding spirit” of the workers supporting the leadership’s vision for a powerful military. Workers’ Party Secretary Cho Chun-ryong, along with shipbuilding technicians and laborers, attended the event.

This announcement comes at a time when North Korea, having made significant strides in its nuclear and missile programs, is now seeking to extend its capabilities to the sea by developing platforms capable of launching nuclear weapons from maritime assets.

Earlier this year, North Korea unveiled two destroyers of the same class.

In April, the regime launched its first 5,000-ton-class destroyer, named Choe Hyon-ho. A second vessel was scheduled for launch on May 21 but ran aground during the ceremony. After undergoing repairs, it was relaunched on June 12 under a new name, Kang Gun-ho.

During the launching ceremony for Kang Gun-ho, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un revealed plans to deploy two Choe Hyon-class destroyers—or even larger vessels—annually starting next year, signaling a long-term strategy for naval buildup.

In response to the North Korean state media report, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff stated on Tuesday, “Our military is closely tracking and monitoring North Korea’s weapons development activities.” They declined to provide further details.