North Korea plans 10,000-ton destroyers, submarine weapons

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the rapid expansion of the country's naval forces, including the construction of new, larger destroyers and the development of secret underwater weapons. The announcement, made through state media on Saturday, comes just days before a scheduled visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Kim issued the directives while inspecting the sea trials of the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon on Thursday. He stated that building a powerful navy capable of reliably supporting the country's nuclear deterrent and striking enemies on or under the water was the most important task of a new five-year defense plan. The plan includes the construction of larger 10,000-ton-class destroyers, a project mentioned publicly for the first time.

The leader was accompanied during the inspection by his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who has appeared with increasing frequency at military events. South Korean officials have suggested she may be being groomed as a potential successor.

The Kang Kon is the second of two 5,000-ton destroyers North Korea unveiled last year, following the Choe Hyon. Kim ordered both vessels to be commissioned as soon as possible. State media reports...