North Korea to speed up nuclear and naval expansion in response to joint US–South Korea exercises

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to accelerate the expansion of the country’s nuclear arsenal, criticising the ongoing joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea as a sign of “hostile intent.” Speaking during a visit to a naval destroyer, he described the drills, which include large-scale field manoeuvres and upgraded responses to North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, as “an obvious expression of their will to provoke war,” and called for a “radical and swift change” in military strategy.

The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, running for 11 days, are regarded by Seoul and Washington as purely defensive, but North Korea has consistently viewed them as preparations for invasion. In response, Kim has ordered the accelerated construction of a third 5,000-tonne Choe Hyon-class destroyer, with completion expected by October next year, and the testing of cruise and anti-air missiles for the vessels. These developments underscore North Korea’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its military capabilities amid perceived external threats.

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