Kim’s reference to a “nuclear-armed navy” suggests the vessels could serve as launch platforms for tactical nuclear-capable cruise missiles, said Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University.
Kim also said North Korea was carrying out an “important plan” to strengthen its navy that would be demonstrated to the world “in eight months”.
That could foreshadow the unveiling of a major strategic asset, such as a new submarine capable of carrying submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), Lim said.
By deploying the Kang Kon in the East Sea, Pyongyang is also seeking to keep the joint maritime exercises and deployments of nuclear assets “directly and within range”, Lim said.
This week’s US allies’ drills, dubbed Freedom Edge, are set to run to Friday in international waters east and south of South Korea’s Jeju Island.
The manoeuvres have pushed ahead despite President Donald Trump curtailing another set of drills with South Korea as the US leader aims to reopen diplomacy with Pyongyang about its nuclear programme.
Despite Trump’s overtures, North Korea has shown little sign of reciprocating, firing missiles and condemning the downsized drills as well as Washington’s approval of arms sales to South Korea and plans to fund programmes documenting human rights abuses in the North.
