ANKARA

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for bolstering the country’s naval combat force to "thoroughly" deter and counter the “enemy's provocations” as he visited the nation's first 5,000-ton destroyer, state media reported Monday.

Kim visited the Choe Hyon destroyer Sunday, accompanied by key party and government officials, the Korean Central News Agency reported.

Pyongyang unveiled the new multipurpose destroyer in April as part of its efforts to bolster the country’s naval power.

In his remarks during the visit, Kim said the ruling Workers' Party would continue its efforts "without even a moment's stagnation" for the overall and accelerated expansion and growth of the naval combat force “defending the core of the national rights.”

"The tremendous ability of our navy should be exercised in the vast ocean to thoroughly deter or counter and punish the enemy's provocations” to defend the nation's sovereignty and its security interests, he added.

The destroyer is equipped with supersonic strategic cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles and other strike means.

In June, North Korea launched a 5,000-ton destroyer of the same class that was damaged when it capsized during its failed initial launch attempt in May.

North Korea plans to build another 5,000-ton destroyer by Oct. 10, 2026.