North Korea demonstrates cruise missile strike from new warship

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the launch of strategic cruise missiles from the newly built Choe Hyon destroyer during inspections of the warship earlier this week, according to state media reports published Thursday.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong-un visited the Choe Hyon destroyer on Tuesday and Wednesday to inspect the vessel and review its operational readiness ahead of its official commissioning into the North Korean navy.

During the visit, Kim supervised the launch of sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles from the destroyer. State media described the missile firing as a key test of the ship’s operational capabilities.

KCNA reported that Kim personally evaluated the results of the launch during the inspection of the vessel’s combat systems and performance.

The test was conducted as part of preparations for the destroyer’s entry into active service, with North Korean officials emphasizing the need to strengthen the country’s naval power.

The Choe Hyon warship was first unveiled in April of the previous year. North Korea introduced the vessel as part of a broader effort to expand its maritime military capabilities.

According to state media descriptions, the Choe Hyon is a multipurpose destroyer with a displacement of approximately 5,000 tons. The vessel is designed to operate as a platform capable of launching various missile systems while supporting naval combat operations.

The launch of sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles from the destroyer indicates that the ship is intended to serve as a mobile strike platform capable of targeting enemy positions from the sea.

Cruise missiles launched from surface combatants typically travel at low altitudes and use guidance systems to reach designated targets with precision. Such weapons can be used to strike land-based targets, infrastructure, or other military objectives from extended distances.