North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently visited a naval base construction site, where he emphasized the significance of strengthening naval power, especially as North Korea is soon to possess large surface warships and submarines that require adequate facilities for mooring. Kim stressed the urgency of constructing a naval base capable of operating the latest large warships, along with deploying anti-aircraft and coastal-defense systems for protecting the port.
During the tour, Kim also noted the strategic geopolitical advantages of the site being bordered by the sea on both the east and west sides, though the exact location was not specified in the report. Additionally, satellite imagery analysis revealed ongoing work on North Korea's newest ballistic missile class submarine at the Sinpo South Shipyard, indicating the country's focus on enhancing its naval capabilities.
Apart from his naval base visit, Kim ordered increased national investments in shipbuilding projects to advance both immediate tasks and long-term plans for developing the shipbuilding industry. He also stressed the need to modernize munitions production to ensure the performance of newly-developed military hardware. Furthermore, Kim visited a defense industrial enterprise and an artillery academy to address the scientific improvement and modernization of munitions production. North Korea also condemned recent joint military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea, describing them as provocative acts that could escalate tensions and increase the risk of a nuclear clash. Concurrently, North Korea continued its trash balloon launches towards South Korea, showcasing ongoing tension in the region.