N Korea commissions destroyer with nuclear-capable missiles

Seoul: North Korea has commissioned a 5,000-tonne destroyer that leader Kim Jong Un described as a symbol of the country's expanding naval and nuclear capabilities, state media reported on Wednesday.

The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the warship, Choe Hyon, entered service after a ceremony at the western port of Nampo and will defend the country's western coast. Kim said the vessel demonstrated that the nuclear armament of North Korea's navy was progressing as planned.

KCNA said the destroyer is equipped with anti-aircraft and anti-ship weapons, along with nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. South Korean officials and experts believe the vessel may have been built with Russian assistance, although some analysts question whether it is ready for active service.

The commissioning comes as Kim accelerates efforts to strengthen naval forces, including plans for a nuclear-powered submarine and larger destroyers. North Korea is also preparing to deploy a second destroyer, Kang Kon, after repairs following a failed launch.

—AP