KIM Jong-un vowed to seize “absolute power” as he oversaw tests of nuclear capable missiles aboard a spanking new 5,000-ton warship.
The North Korean tyrant was snapped grinning ear-to-ear and donning a wide-brimmed hat as he watched from a coastal vantage point surrounded by regime chiefs.
North Korean tyrant King Jong-un was seen donning a yellow sun hat as he oversaw missile tests Credit: Reuters
The newly built naval destroyer Kang Kon conducts tests of its combat system Credit: Reuters
A series of weapons tests were conducted aboard the Kang Kon, a brand new naval vessel that notably slipped off its cradle at a botched launch ceremony last year.
Kim described the incident as an “unforgivable criminal act” after its bottom was left crushed, but the warship was later repaired.
Determined to save face, the dictator boarded the vessel last month as it underwent capability tests.
He was joined by his increasingly prominent teenage daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju-ae, who may be being groomed as his successor, South Korean officials claim.
The 5,000-ton warship fired a strategic cruise missile at an unknown location in North Korea Credit: Reuters
Kim and his cronies watched the test from a coastal viewpoint Credit: AFP
While inspecting the ship, Kim said the navy was at the heart of a new five-year defence plan rushing to build larger 10,000-tonne-class destroyers and develop unspecified “underwater secret weapons”.
After Friday’s weapons test, Kim “gave an instruction to complete the trial process of the destroyer in a responsible manner and commission it for the Navy within two months,” the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
A collection of pictures were released alongside the announcement, including one showing the dictator wearing the yellow sun hat while flanked by officials.
Another photo shows the Kang Kon firing a missile into the sea, with towers of white smoke billowing from the launch site.
Kim vowed to seize ‘absolute power’ as his navy ramps up its arsenal Credit: AFP
The despot also reiterated North Korea’s need to strengthen its war deterrents Credit: AFP
Kim pledged to show ‘s determination to seize “absolute power” while reiterating his regime’s need to strengthen its war deterrents.
The hermit kingdom unveiled another 5,000-ton warship, the Choe Hyon, in April last year, demonstrating the surge towards naval power.
State media said the warship is equipped with a range of systems, including anti-aircraft and anti-ship weapons as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles.
South Korea said the warship was likely built with the help of as the two dictatorships strengthen their military ties.
Earlier this year, Kim announced plans to “beef up nuclear forces at an exponential rate” – a statement that has likely raised some eyebrows at the White House.
North Korea already has enough nuclear material for up to 90 warheads and is believed to have assembled around 50, according to a Congressional Research Service report from March.
The International Atomic Agency reported that the state has at the very least two active nuclear enrichment plants, one in Yongbyon and another in Kangson.
The agency said it was monitoring the construction of a new building at Yongbyon “which has dimensions and infrastructure, including power supply and cooling capacity, similar to the Kangson enrichment facility.”
“The ongoing operation of enrichment facilities at Kangson and Yongbyon is of serious concern,” the IAEA revealed in a March report.
“The agency is continuing to monitor a new building at Yongbyon which has dimensions and infrastructure, including power supply and cooling capacity, similar to the Kangson enrichment facility.
“The new building is externally complete and internal fitting is likely underway.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
