"Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Un has commended the 'satisfactory progress' of the nation’s nuclear naval ambitions during a high-profile inspection of a new 5,000-tonne destroyer in Nampho. According to state media reports, Kim inspected the warship Choe Hyon and observed a successful test launch of strategic cruise missiles from the vessel. In stills released by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Thursday, Kim can be seen arriving and greeting officers and navy personnel before touring the destroyer. Later images show the vessel conducting missile tests. During the visit, Kim emphasised that "the arming of the Navy with nuclear weapons is making satisfactory progress," describing the initiative as a "radical change" in maritime defence capabilities essential for safeguarding the country’s maritime sovereignty. Kim hailed the newly constructed destroyer as a "new symbol of sea defence capability" after observing the crew’s combat and political training, as well as a shakedown cruise to evaluate the ship’s performance, operational capabilities and manoeuvrability. "The tests of operational efficiency of the new-type destroyer, a new symbol of sea defence capability for our state, are progressing smoothly as planned," he stated. The launch featured sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles, which Kim identified as a core combat element of the warship. He also mandated the construction of two surface warships of the same or higher class annually over the next five years to "enhance the fighting strength of surface warships". The inspection forms part of the DPRK’s ongoing five-year plan to bolster defence capabilities and expand its nuclear arsenal. "We will guarantee the defence of national sovereignty, not merely through spoken or written declarations, but through effective capabilities and actionable practices," Kim reiterated. Kim also expressed his "high appreciation" for the warship’s manoeuvrability and said he was satisfied with the successful testing of its systems ahead of its operational commissioning."