Satellite images reveal a military surprise weighing thousands of tons in North Korea

Satellite imagery has uncovered a military development weighing several thousand tons in North Korean shipyards.

A South Korean lawmaker stated a few days ago that Pyongyang is intensifying construction of a third 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class destroyer as part of its efforts to strengthen its naval power.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the construction of a third 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer by the anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea on October 10.

This move follows North Korea’s launch of two warships of the same type last year.

Lawmaker Yoo Yong-won of the main opposition People Power Party, citing images captured by satellites operated by the U.S. company Planet Labs between March 12 and 28, reported that large cranes and a ship lift were observed operating near the third warship at the shipyard in the western coastal city of Nampo.

He noted that North Korea appears to be in the final stage of constructing the vessel, explaining that the large cranes are apparently being used to lift superstructures such as large modules, radars, and weapons systems.

Satellite images also indicated that the first Choe Hyon-class destroyer was in the process of preparing for deployment following its launch in April last year.