Kim oversees North Koreas cruise missile tests on new naval destroyer

North Korean Leader Supervises Launch of New Naval Destroyer

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un witnessed the test-firing of sea-to-surface missiles from a new naval destroyer, the Choe Hyon, before its official commissioning. According to state media, Kim supervised the launch on Wednesday.

The Choe Hyon is a 5,000-tonne vessel that is part of a new series of destroyers currently under construction in North Korea. During a two-day visit to the shipyard, Kim inspected the lead vessel and assessed the test as a “core” element of its capabilities. He described the launch as a “new symbol of sea defence” for his country.

Kim stated that his navy’s adoption of nuclear weapons is making progress, with forces capable of attacking from both under and above water expected to grow rapidly. The leader also emphasized the importance of producing more warships like the Choe Hyon-class destroyer.

In May 2025, a similar incident occurred during the launch of another Choe Hyon-class destroyer at Chongjin Shipyard. A malfunctioning launch mechanism caused the stern of the vessel to slide prematurely into the water, resulting in damage to the hull and leaving the bow stranded on the shipway.

This week’s missile tests come after Kim pledged to lift living standards during a recent congress of the governing Workers’ Party. The leader emphasized the need for the party to prioritize economic construction and improve the people’s standard of living.

The launch of the Choe Hyon-class destroyer is part of North Korea’s ongoing naval modernization programme, which has been prioritized by Kim since taking power in 2011.

Source: Al Jazeera