(SeaPRwire) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the firing of two cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles from the new 5,000-ton-class destroyer Choe Hyon, a vessel highly valued by the regime, as reported by state media on Tuesday.
According to the official newspaper Rodong Sinmun, the cruise missiles traveled along predetermined paths for over two hours, while the anti-ship missiles flew for more than 30 minutes over the western seas before hitting their targets with precision during Sunday’s drills.
A photograph distributed by the Korean Central News Agency depicted Kim observing a projectile launch from the vessel alongside other North Korean officials.
Kim has praised the creation of the Choe Hyon, initially revealed in April 2025, calling it a significant advancement for extending the military’s operational range and preemptive strike potential.
State media asserts the warship is equipped to deploy various systems, such as anti-air and anti-ship weaponry, plus nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. The Associated Press reported that South Korean authorities and analysts believe the ship was probably constructed with Russian support due to strengthening military cooperation, though some specialists doubt its operational readiness.
Following the tests, Kim stated his administration continues to prioritize the “limitless expansion” of its nuclear arsenal and assigned new, unspecified duties to enhance the nation’s nuclear strike and quick-response abilities. Rodong Sinmun also reported that he examined weapon system blueprints for the third and fourth destroyers currently under production.
A second destroyer of the same class, the Kang Kon, was introduced in May of the previous year but sustained damage in a failed launch event at the northern port of Chongjin. It was successfully relaunched in June after undergoing repairs.
Per the AP, state media indicates a third destroyer being built at the Nampo shipyard on the west coast is scheduled for completion by October, in time for the ruling Workers’ Party’s founding anniversary.
Additionally, North Korea carried out a sequence of tests last week that, according to state media, featured multiple new weapon systems, including ballistic missiles with cluster-bomb warheads. Concurrently, senior officials made statements mocking South Korean aspirations for improved diplomatic relations.
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