North Korea commissions second nuclear-capable destroyer as trilateral drills begin
North Korea has commissioned its second 5,000-ton guided-missile destroyer, the Kang Kon, in a ceremony attended by Kim Jong Un and his daughter. The vessel, which previously capsized during its initial launch in May 2025, is equipped with nuclear-capable missiles. This move coincides with the start of the five-day Freedom Edge military exercise involving the US, South Korea, and Japan. Kim stated the new ship enhances Pyongyang's nuclear deterrent and vowed to demonstrate further naval advancements within eight months.
