North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected his new 5,000-ton Choe Hyon destroyer for two days before its commissioning, observing cruise missile tests fired from the warship. State media reported Kim's visits to the Nampo shipyard where he also examined construction of a third destroyer of the same class. The leader vowed to accelerate nuclear armament of his navy.

Kim hailed the Choe Hyon's development as a significant advancement toward expanding his military's operational range and preemptive strike capabilities. South Korean officials believe the ship was built with Russian assistance amid deepening military ties, though some question whether it's ready for active service. North Korea previously unveiled a second destroyer last year that was damaged during a botched launch ceremony.

After observing sea trials, Kim called the warship a symbol of expanding naval capabilities and ordered construction of two similar vessels annually for the next five years. The leader watched from shore as several missiles launched from the Choe Hyon in plumes of white smoke, with state media describing the weapons as "strategic" - a term used for nuclear-capable systems. Kim claimed his nuclear naval efforts were making "satisfactory" progress, though analysts suggest North Korea may be preparing to declare maritime boundaries that could encroach on South Korean waters.