VIDEO: Kim Jong Un Oversees Strategic Cruise Missile Test From North Korea’s New 5,000-Ton Destroyer

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test-firing of strategic cruise missiles from a newly built 5,000-ton naval destroyer.

The missiles were launched from the Choe Hyon, the lead vessel of a new class of destroyers, during Kim’s visit to the Nampo shipyard on North Korea’s west coast earlier this week.

According to North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim observed the launch of sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles from the destroyer on Wednesday.

State media said the test demonstrated the warship’s operational capability. Photos released by KCNA showed the vessel firing at least four cruise missiles in succession, while Kim monitored the exercise from land.

North Korea often uses the term “strategic weapons” to refer to systems that may be capable of carrying nuclear warheads, according to South Korean officials and analysts.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said multiple cruise missiles were detected at around 8:30 a.m. local time, launched from the Nampho area toward the Yellow Sea.

The Choe Hyon is a 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer, unveiled in April 2025 as part of North Korea’s plan to expand and modernise its naval forces.

During the inspection, Kim described the warship as a “new symbol of sea defense capability.”

He stated that the country’s naval forces would continue to expand both above and below the water, adding that progress was being made in equipping the navy with nuclear weapons.

Video Credits: Al Arabiya English/YouTube

The North Korean leader called for the construction of two surface warships of the same class or higher every year under the current five-year defense development plan.

KCNA also reported that Kim inspected another Choe Hyon-class destroyer currently under construction at the shipyard.

North Korea’s destroyer programme has previously faced technical setbacks.

In May 2025, a second Choe Hyon-class destroyer capsized during a failed side-launch ceremony at Chongjin Shipyard while Kim was present.

KCNA later reported that a launch mechanism malfunction caused the stern of the 5,000-ton vessel to slide into the water too early. Parts of the hull were crushed while the bow remained stuck on the shipway.

Kim described the incident as a “criminal act” and blamed it on carelessness and irresponsibility among several state institutions.

During the meeting in late February, Kim reaffirmed plans to strengthen military capabilities and expand nuclear weapons development, while also promising efforts to improve the country’s economy and living standards.

North Korea has long prioritised military development, saying strong defense capabilities are necessary to counter pressure from the United States and South Korea.

References: YNA, Aljazeera