North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected a new type of destroyer and stressed his intention to build up his country's naval strength.
State-run Korean Central Television reported on Monday that on the previous day, Kim inspected the 5,000-ton destroyer, which was launched in April.
Photos released by the broadcaster show Kim receiving a briefing on the ship's bridge and elsewhere.
Kim said that in order to defend the country's sovereignty, security and interests, the navy must thoroughly deter any provocations by enemies and punish them.
He added that his party will fully and rapidly expand and strengthen the naval forces that safeguard the core of state power.
Kim visited a military hardware exhibition in Pyongyang on Saturday.
A South Korean expert says that photos published from the event show what appear to be submarine-launched ballistic missiles, or SLBMs, among other weapons. The expert says North Korea is signaling that it is reinforcing its nuclear capabilities at sea.
North Korea is expected to hold a large-scale military parade on October 10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea. Some observers say Pyongyang might unveil its latest weapons.

Quiz 1:
On which day did Kim Jong Un inspect a new type of destroyer?
A. October 5, 2025
B. October 6, 2025
C. October 7, 2025
D. October 8, 2025

Quiz 2:
What does Kim Jong Un intend to do with the navy of his country?
A. Reduce its size
B. Maintain its current strength
C. Thoroughly deter any provocations and punish enemies
D. Surrender it to foreign powers

Quiz 3:
What kind of weapons does a South Korean expert believe North Korea is reinforcing at sea?
A. Land-based ballistic missiles
B. Aircraft-launched ballistic missiles
C. Submarine-launched ballistic missiles
D. Cruise missiles