Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has once again observed the test-firing of strategic cruise and anti-warship missiles from the destroyer Choe Hyon, emphasizing the nation's focus on strengthening its nuclear war deterrent, as reported by state media on Tuesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korea carried out the launches of two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-warship missiles from the naval destroyer on Sunday as part of its "operational efficiency test." In March, similar tests were conducted from the 5,000-ton warship before its official commissioning, and the use of "strategic" suggests potential nuclear capabilities. During this latest test, Kim stated, "The preparedness of our army's strategic action has been strengthened in a qualitative way with various achievements recently made in the field of defense science."
Kim reiterated the importance of "steadily and unlimitedly" bolstering a powerful and reliable nuclear war deterrent as the nation's top priority. State media images showed Kim overseeing the test from an undisclosed pier location, accompanied by military officials.
The cruise missiles reportedly flew for durations ranging from 7,869 to 7,920 seconds, while the anti-warship missiles flew for 1,960 to 1,973 seconds, following preset flight paths over the Yellow Sea and achieving "ultra-precision hit accuracy," KCNA noted.
The purpose of the test-firing was to evaluate the launching control line of the warship's integrated weapon command system and to verify the "accuracy and the rate of hits of the improved active anti-jamming navigation system." Kim also highlighted the need to strengthen the country's strategic and tactical attack capabilities and to refine the "prompt response posture."
Additionally, Kim was briefed on plans for the weapons systems of the destroyers No. 3 and No. 4, which are under construction. North Korea unveiled the Choe Hyon destroyer last April as part of efforts to modernize its naval capabilities. Following the launch of another 5,000-ton destroyer, the Kang Kon, in June 2025, Kim ordered the construction of a third destroyer of the same class by the ruling Workers' Party of Korea's founding anniversary on October 10.