North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has denounced ongoing South Korea-U.S. military exercises as hostile acts and vowed to expand his country's nuclear capabilities in response rapidly.

Axar.az, citing AP, reports that during an inspection of the 5,000-ton-class destroyer Choe Hyon, North Korea’s most advanced warship, Kim claimed that the joint drills, part of the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, have become more provocative by incorporating “nuclear elements.”

He emphasized the need for “proactive and overwhelming” countermeasures and a swift shift in military doctrine.

The Choe Hyon is reportedly designed to carry nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, and Kim views it as a core component of his nuclear naval ambitions. He also reviewed progress on two additional destroyers, despite setbacks, including a failed launch earlier this year.

South Korea’s liberal President Lee Jae Myung has reiterated the defensive nature of the exercises and expressed hopes of reviving a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement to ease tensions, though Pyongyang has shown no interest in resuming dialogue.