North Korea's Naval Expansion: Kim Jong Un Oversees Missile Tests from New Destroyer

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently visited the Nampo Shipyard, where he oversaw the test-firing of "strategic cruise missiles" from the newly constructed 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon. This event, reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), marks a significant step in North Korea's efforts to modernize its naval capabilities and enhance its military presence in the Pacific Ocean.

VIDEO: Kim Jong Un Oversees Strategic Cruise Missile Test From North Korea’s New 5,000-Ton DestroyerNew York PostDW NewsAl Jazeera (website)North Korea: Kim Jong Un observes missile test from newly built destroyerNoKor’s Kim oversees naval destroyer, cruise missile testReuters

During his two-day inspection, Kim emphasized the need for the navy to develop a "powerful offensive capability," calling for the construction of two surface warships of the Choe Hyon class or higher each year as part of a new five-year military development plan. He described the Choe Hyon as a "new symbol of sea defense" for North Korea, highlighting its role in the country's strategic military objectives.

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

The Choe Hyon is the first of a series of destroyers designed to incorporate advanced weapon systems, including anti-air and anti-naval capabilities, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. Kim's focus on naval modernization follows a series of setbacks, including a failed launch of a second Choe Hyon-class destroyer in May 2025, which resulted in significant damage and the detention of officials responsible for the incident.

North Korea: Kim Jong Un observes missile test from newly built destroyerNew York PostVIDEO: Kim Jong Un Oversees Strategic Cruise Missile Test From North Korea’s New 5,000-Ton DestroyerAl Jazeera (website)ReutersDW NewsNoKor’s Kim oversees naval destroyer, cruise missile test

Kim Jong Un stated, "The arming of the Navy with nuclear weapons is making satisfactory progress," asserting that these advancements represent a "radical change in defending our maritime sovereignty." He reiterated the importance of military strength in countering perceived threats from the United States and its allies, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions.

North Korea: Kim Jong Un observes missile test from newly built destroyer

Despite the North Korean government's assertions of progress, some analysts express skepticism regarding the operational readiness of the Choe Hyon and its capabilities. Concerns have been raised about the reliability of North Korea's naval modernization efforts, particularly given the previous technical failures experienced during the construction of its destroyers.

Al Jazeera (website)

Looking ahead, Kim's administration is expected to continue prioritizing military development, particularly in naval capabilities. The completion of a third Choe Hyon-class destroyer is anticipated by October, coinciding with the founding anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party. As inter-Korean tensions remain high, North Korea's military advancements may provoke further responses from South Korea and the United States.

New York Post

• “Every year during the new five-year plan period, we must build two surface warships of this class or of a higher class,” — Kim Jong Un, North Korean Leader

DW News

• “All these successes constitute a radical change in defending our maritime sovereignty, something that we have not achieved for half a century,” — Kim Jong Un, North Korean Leader

Al Jazeera (website)

• “The arming of the Navy with nuclear weapons is making satisfactory progress,” — Kim Jong Un, North Korean Leader

NoKor’s Kim oversees naval destroyer, cruise missile test

This recent focus on naval capabilities underscores North Korea's ongoing commitment to enhancing its military strength amid a complex regional security environment.

North Korea: Kim Jong Un observes missile test from newly built destroyer