Kim Jong Un stresses the importance of strengthening the navy

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits the O Jin U Artillery Academy in North Korea on September 6, 2024, in this photo released by the North Korean official Korean Central News Agency. | Photo credit: KCNA via Reuters

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stressed the importance of strengthening the navy during his visit to a naval base construction site, state media reported. KCNA reported on Sunday (September 8, 2024).

“With large surface warships and submarines soon to be available that cannot be anchored by existing warship docking facilities, building a naval base to accommodate the latest large warships has become an urgent task,” Mr. Kim was quoted as saying.

During the tour, Mr. Kim stressed the need to build a naval port that can service the warships’ weapons systems and unveiled military measures to deploy anti-aircraft and coastal defense systems to defend the port, the report said.

Mr Kim cited geopolitical advantages of the location for the country, bordered by the sea on both the east and west sides. The location of the site was not specified in the report.

A recent analysis of satellite imagery by 38 North revealed that North Korea’s newest ballistic missile-class submarine (SSB), the “Sinpo-C” class, was undergoing an extensive outfitting period at the Sinpo South Shipyard.

During a separate visit to a shipyard, Mr. Kim directed that national investment in shipbuilding projects be increased so that immediate tasks and long-term plans for laying the foundation for the development of the shipbuilding sector can be carried out on schedule.

KCNA Also reported on Sunday (September 8, 2024) was Mr. Kim’s visit to a defense industrial enterprise, where he stressed the need to make ammunition production more scientific and modern to ensure the performance of newly developed military equipment. An inspection of an artillery academy was also held.

Separately, North Korea condemned a recent consultation meeting and simulation exercise on extended deterrence conducted by the United States and South Korea, according to a statement issued Sunday (Sept. 8, 2024) by KCNA.

The State Department described the activities as “reckless actions by hostile forces that disrupt regional strategic stability and increase the likelihood of nuclear conflict.”

“The DPRK will continue to take practical measures to deal with the protracted nuclear confrontation with the US,” the ministry said, using North Korea’s official name.

Meanwhile, North Korea continued its campaign of launching trash balloons toward South Korea for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday (September 8, 2024), Yes, I have a bite the news agency reported, citing the South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.