Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un warned today, Saturday, that his country’s naval defense capability will be “fully demonstrated in any necessary waters without restrictions.” This statement was made during Kim Jong-un’s inspection of a project to build a nuclear-powered submarine, without revealing the date and place of the visit, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, during the inspection, Kim reviewed the project to build a “strategic nuclear-powered guided submarine,” which is being implemented under a defense decision announced during the main party conference in 2021. Kim emphasized the need to develop “overwhelming warships” as a strong deterrent force to counter the “gunboat diplomacy” pursued by hostile forces.

Kim highlighted that the DPRK will not remain a spectator to the enemies’ naval and underwater military activities, which he claimed seriously threaten the sovereignty and interests of the country by constantly deploying large numbers of strategic assets. He asserted that “the DPRK’s maritime defense capability, which plays a responsible and key role in defending peace on the Korean Peninsula and the region, will be fully displayed in any necessary waters without restriction,” as reported by the agency.

The nuclear-powered submarine is among the advanced military systems that Kim has pledged to develop, alongside spy satellites and solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles. The DPRK leader also set a goal to modernize naval and underwater vessels, including developing and possessing advanced warships, without providing further details. In September 2023, the DPRK unveiled its first nuclear-powered tactical attack submarine capable of carrying out an underwater nuclear strike. At the time, Kim announced plans to build more submarines, including a nuclear-powered one.