North Korean leader oversees missile tests conducted from new destroyer

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen additional missile tests from a new warship, state media reported today.

Kim has promised to boost the navy's operational capabilities by increasing its arsenal of weapons that can carry nuclear warheads.

North Korea's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper reported that Kim on Sunday oversaw the launch of two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles from a 5.000-ton destroyer, named Choe Hyon, which was first unveiled in April 2025.

The cruise missiles flew for more than two hours, and the anti-ship missiles for more than 30 minutes, along a pre-determined route over the western parts of the country, before hitting their targets with precision, the newspaper wrote.

State news agency KCNA released images of Kim and other senior officials watching from a pier as the missile separated from the warship.

Kim also oversaw two rounds of missile tests from the Choe Hyon last month and vowed to accelerate the nuclear weapons buildup of his navy.

After Sunday's tests, he said his government remained committed to "unlimited expansion" of its nuclear forces and gave additional mandates to improve the country's nuclear strike and rapid response capabilities. He also reviewed plans for weapons systems for its third and fourth destroyers currently under construction, the Rodong Sinmun reported.

Kim has previously hailed the development of the Choe Hyon destroyer as a major step towards expanding its operational range and preemptive strike capabilities. State media reported that the ship is designed to carry multiple systems, including anti-aircraft and anti-ship weapons, as well as ballistic and cruise missiles with nuclear capabilities.

South Korean officials and experts say the ship was likely built with Russian assistance and deepened military ties, but some experts question whether the vessel is truly ready for active service.

North Korea unveiled a second destroyer of the same class in May last year, but it was damaged during a failed launch in the northern part of Chongjin, prompting an angry response from Kim. Media later reported that the ship, named Kang Kon, was relaunched in June after repairs, but outside experts have questioned whether it is fully operational.

State media reports that a third destroyer under construction at the Nampo shipyard on the country's west coast should be completed by the founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party in October.

The latest launches from Choe Hyon are a continuation of recent weapons tests as North Korea seeks to expand its nuclear-capable forces, targeting rival South Korea amid deteriorating relations and a prolonged diplomatic stalemate.

North Korea conducted a series of tests last week that, according to state media, involved a variety of weapons systems, including ballistic missiles armed with cluster bomb warheads, and senior officials issued blunt statements mocking South Korean hopes for warmer relations.