A photo released by the official North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observing tactical drill demonstrations at an undisclosed location in North Korea, 13 May 2025 (issued 14 May 2025). The drills, held as part of the Korean People's Army training officers' conference, included a combined tactical exercise by special operations sub-units to meet all-purpose battalion standards, as well as training matches and joint fire strike demonstrations by tank units. EPA-EFE/KCNA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Satellite images had shown ongoing repairs of the 5,000-ton destroyer that had partially capsized in May, after Kim called the accident a "criminal act" and ordered its restoration before a party meeting in June.
Kim said the restoration of the destroyer "had not delayed" North Korea's attempts to enhance naval power, and said plans were in place "to build two more 5,000-ton destroyers next year", KCNA said.
Kim called for the country to strengthen its maritime military presence in the Pacific Ocean in the face of what he said were provocations by the U.S. and its allies, KCNA said.
"Soon, enemies will experience themselves how provocative and unpleasant it is to sit and watch the ships of an adversary run rampant on the fringes of sovereign waters," Kim said in a speech at the ceremony, according to KCNA.
"I'm sure that in the near future, the routes of our battleships... will be opened on the Pacific Ocean toward the outposts of aggression."
(Reporting by Joyce Le; Editing by Sandra Maler)