PYONGYANG, July 23 (NNN-KYODO) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected a newly built submarine that will soon be deployed to the Sea of Japan, the country’s official media reported Tuesday.
The Korean Central News Agency report comes as the country is believed to be seeking a submarine-launched ballistic missile system.
The report did not say when or where Kim inspected the submarine but said the vessel “will perform its duty in the operational waters of the East Sea of Korea and its operational deployment is near at hand.”
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (L) inspects a new submarine. The agency didn’t provide the date or location. Photo courtesy of KCNA
As he looked over the submarine, Kim “stressed the need to steadily and reliably increase the national defense capability by directing big efforts to the development of the naval weapons and equipment such as submarine (sic),” KCNA reported.
The report is an indication that North Korea continues to build up its military capabilities while at the same time seeking to re-engage the United States in denuclearization talks.
At a bilateral meeting in the Demilitarized Zone on the inter-Korean border late last month, U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim agreed to resume the stalled talks.
NNN-KYODO
