North Korea's nuclear programme has raised concerns as Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un commissions a 5,000-ton class destroyer, expanding the country's arsenal.
The warship, named Choe Hyon, is said to possess 'the most perfect, complex operational and combat capability,' according to Kim.
The deployment comes after Kim oversaw the test-firing of strategic cruise missiles and anti-warship missiles in April.
Experts believe Kim's push for a heavy nuclear arsenal is to deter US influence and intervention in the region.
North Korea aims to build two surface ships each year, with the Choe Hyon being a class above.
The move has sparked concerns from Japan, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi calling for collective measures to complete North Korea's denuclearisation.
The North Korean constitution now includes nuclear weapons as part of its defence strategy, with Kim Jong-un holding constitutional command over nuclear forces.
