North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced plans to equip the country’s navy with nuclear weapons and expand its fleet with larger warships.

Speaking at the commissioning of the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon, Kim said the naval nuclear weapons program is progressing as planned.

He revealed that another destroyer, Kang Kon, will soon enter service, followed by a series of 10,000-ton strategic warships.

The move is part of North Korea’s broader effort to strengthen its military capabilities despite international sanctions over its nuclear program, the AFP has reported.

Analysts say the larger warships symbolize Pyongyang’s determination to narrow the maritime power gap with South Korea while reinforcing its status as a nuclear-armed state.