Pyongyang - Saba:
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday warned that the his country's maritime defense capability will be "fully displayed in any waters without restriction."
Kim Jong Un inspected a nuclear-powered submarine construction project, without disclosing the date or location of the visit, the North's official Korean Central News Agency reported.
During the inspection, Kim reviewed the construction of a "nuclear-powered strategic guided submarine," which is being implemented under a defense decision announced at a key party congress in 2021.
Kim stressed the need to develop "overwhelming warships" as a powerful deterrent to counter the "gunboat diplomacy" of hostile forces.
Kim stressed that the DPRK will not remain a spectator to the "enemies' naval and underwater military activities, which are seriously threatening the sovereignty and interests of the country by constantly deploying large numbers of strategic assets," according to N Korean official news agency.
"The DPRK's sea defense capability, which plays a responsible and major role in defending peace on the Korean Peninsula and the region, will be fully displayed in any necessary waters without restrictions."
The nuclear-powered submarine is among the advanced military systems that Kim has pledged to develop, along with spy satellites and solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The North Korean leader also set a goal to modernize naval and underwater vessels, including the development and possession of advanced warships, without providing additional details.
In September 2023, North Korea unveiled its first tactical nuclear attack submarine capable of carrying out an underwater nuclear strike. At the time, Kim announced plans to build more submarines, including a nuclear-powered submarine.
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