North Korea, Kim supervises destroyer and cruise missile test

Seoul (South Korea), Mar. 5 (LaPresse) – North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected his new destroyer for two consecutive days before its commissioning and observed a test of cruise missiles launched from the ship, pledging to accelerate the navy’s nuclear armament. This was reported by North Korea’s state broadcaster Kcna. During visits to the Nampo shipyard, Kim also checked the construction of a third destroyer of the same class as the 5,000-ton ship Choe Hyon, unveiled for the first time in April 2025. Kim described the development of the Choe Hyon as a significant step forward toward his goal of expanding the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of the armed forces equipped with nuclear weapons. According to state media, the vessel is designed to handle various weapons systems, including anti-air and anti-ship armaments, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. South Korean officials and military experts say the Choe Hyon was likely built with Russian assistance, in the context of strengthening military ties between the two countries, but some have expressed doubts about its actual operational readiness.