North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, recently oversaw the testing of a cruise missile with nuclear potential and additional weaponry aboard the revamped 5,000-ton destroyer named Kang Kon. This ship had previously been damaged during an unsuccessful launch event last year. State media reported on Sunday that this demonstration reflects Kim’s ongoing efforts to build a nuclear-equipped naval force.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, the event held on Friday featured several key trials, including the firing of a strategic cruise missile, tests of the Kang Kon’s main artillery and automatic cannons, and evaluations of electronic warfare systems. Additionally, the ship’s target detection and data processing capabilities were assessed.
Kim, after monitoring the tests from the coast, instructed his team to finalize the destroyer’s trials and ensure it becomes operational within a two-month timeframe, as relayed by the state media.
These recent exercises follow North Korea’s commissioning of the Choe Hyon, its first 5,000-ton destroyer back in late June. During an elaborate ceremony marking this occasion, Kim affirmed that the progress toward equipping his navy with nuclear capabilities is on track.
While Kim initially concentrated efforts on developing ballistic missiles, there has been a marked shift towards enhancing naval power, including embarking on projects such as building a nuclear-powered submarine.
While outlining his five-year military goals at February’s Workers’ Party congress, Kim also called for intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of underwater launches.
North Korea first unveiled the Choe Hyon in April 2025, which Kim portrayed as a major step toward expanding his military’s operational reach and preemptive strike capabilities.
KCNA has said the warship is equipped with a range of systems, including anti-aircraft and anti-ship weapons as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles.
South Korean officials and experts say the vessel was likely built with Russian assistance amid deepening military ties between the countries, but some analysts have questioned how effective the vessel would be in active service.
The Kang Kon was unveiled a month after the Choe Hyon in May 2025, but it was damaged during a botched launch at the northern port of Chongjin, prompting a furious response from Kim. The country later said the ship was relaunched in June after repairs, but outside experts have questioned whether it’s genuinely ready for active duty.
Kim has also called for building two new 5,000-ton warships annually over the next five years, as well as developing a larger 10,000-ton destroyer.