North Korea Vows to Complete New Navy Destroyer by October 2026

North Korea has pledged to complete the construction of a new navy destroyer by October 10, 2026, according to a report from state news agency KCNA on Tuesday.

Officials and shipyard workers made the commitment during a ceremony at the Nampho shipyard, where state-run KRT broadcast footage showing workers in safety gear standing in formation and operating cranes near the construction site.

The project follows North Korea’s restoration of a 5,000-ton destroyer in June, after it was damaged in a failed launch attempt in May at Chongjin port. The restored vessel was later moved to the Rajin dockyard for a ceremonial relaunch on June 8, as shown in satellite imagery provided by Maxar Technologies.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to modernize the country’s naval fleet as part of efforts to strengthen its maritime defenses in the Pacific. He cited increasing “provocations” by the United States and its allies as justification for the expanded naval capabilities, KCNA said.