SEOUL, South Korea – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw weapons tests aboard the country’s newly repaired 5,000-ton destroyer, the Kang Kon, in the latest demonstration of Pyongyang’s efforts to expand its naval capabilities and advance its ambition of building a nuclear-armed fleet.
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim supervised Friday’s exercises, which included the launch of a nuclear-capable strategic cruise missile, live-fire tests of the destroyer’s main gun and automatic cannons, evaluations of electronic warfare systems, and assessments of the vessel’s target detection and information-processing capabilities.
After observing the drills from shore, Kim instructed military officials to complete the destroyer’s remaining sea trials and commission the vessel into active service within two months, KCNA reported.
Second advanced destroyer enters final testing phase
The military exercises followed North Korea’s commissioning of its first 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, in late June. Kim celebrated that milestone with a high-profile ceremony, describing it as evidence that the country’s plan to equip its navy with nuclear capabilities was progressing as intended.
The Kang Kon represents the second major surface combatant introduced under that modernization effort. The vessel was originally unveiled in May 2025 but suffered significant damage during a failed launch ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin.
The launch accident prompted a rare public rebuke from Kim, who reportedly criticized officials responsible for the mishap. North Korea later announced that the destroyer had been repaired and successfully relaunched in June, although outside military analysts have questioned whether the vessel is fully operational.
Naval modernization becomes strategic priority
After years of focusing primarily on ballistic missile development, North Korea has increasingly shifted attention toward expanding its naval forces.
Kim has promoted plans to develop a nuclear-powered submarine while also calling for underwater-launch capabilities for future intercontinental ballistic missiles as part of his broader military modernization strategy announced during the Workers’ Party congress.
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KCNA has previously stated that the Choe Hyon is equipped with multiple weapons systems, including anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, reflecting North Korea’s intention to broaden the range of platforms capable of delivering strategic weapons.
Russian ties draw regional attention
South Korean officials and defense analysts have suggested that Russia may have provided assistance in developing North Korea’s new destroyers as military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang has expanded.
However, some defense experts continue to question how effective the vessels would be in operational deployments, citing uncertainty over North Korea’s naval technology, training and maintenance capabilities.
The reported weapons tests come amid heightened regional security concerns as North Korea continues to modernize both its missile forces and conventional military assets despite international sanctions.
Ambitious naval expansion plans continue
Kim has outlined plans to significantly expand North Korea’s surface fleet over the coming years.
According to state media, he has ordered the construction of two additional 5,000-ton destroyers each year over the next five years while also pursuing the development of a larger 10,000-ton destroyer, signaling a long-term strategy to strengthen the country’s maritime strike capabilities.
The latest tests highlight North Korea’s continuing investment in naval modernization as it seeks to diversify its military capabilities beyond land-based missile systems, a development closely watched by regional governments and security analysts.
Article Topics: North Korea | Kim Jong Un | Naval Modernization | Kang Kon | Choe Hyon | Cruise Missile | Nuclear Weapons | Regional Security
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
