Kim Jong Un Oversees Weapons Tests on North Korea’s New Destroyer Kang Kon

On Friday, July 3 2026, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a series of live-fire drills aboard the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon. State media KCNA reported that the tests included the launch of a strategic, nuclear-capable cruise missile, firing of the ship’s main gun and automatic cannons, and evaluations of electronic-warfare, target-detection and information-processing systems. After the drills, Kim ordered officials to finish the vessel’s sea trials and commission it into active service within two months. The location of the drills was not disclosed, consistent with KCNA’s practice of withholding operational details.

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The Kang Kon belongs to the same class as the Choe Hyon, North Korea’s first 5,000-ton destroyer commissioned in late June 2025. The Kang Kon’s initial launch in May 2025 partially capsized, prompting extensive repairs before its June 2026 relaunch. Kim marked the Choe Hyon commissioning with a lavish ceremony, declaring that the nuclear armament of the navy was proceeding as planned. In recent years, Pyongyang has shifted emphasis from ballistic-missile development to expanding its navy, announcing plans for a nuclear-powered submarine and intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of underwater launch.

North Korean leader Kim observes weapons tests from new naval destroyerKim oversees weapons tests aboard North Korea's new destroyerTRT WorldKim Jong Un oversees missile and weapons tests during naval destroyer inspectionReuters

Destroyer displacement: 5,000 tonnes. Production plan: two vessels of this class annually for five years, with a larger 10,000-ton warship slated later. Armament includes a nuclear-capable cruise missile, anti-aircraft and anti-ship weapons, and both nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, as KCNA reported.

North Korean leader Kim observes weapons tests from new naval destroyer

KCNA reported that Kim praised recent weapons development and urged expanded war deterrence and combat capabilities. South Korean officials indicated the vessel may have been built with Russian assistance and questioned its operational effectiveness.

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Analysts highlighted the vessel’s recent repair history and questioned whether it is fully ready for deployment. Some experts described the operational impact of the destroyer as uncertain, noting the lack of independent verification of its combat performance.

Kim Jong Un oversees missile and weapons tests during naval destroyer inspection

KCNA asserts the Kang Kon will be commissioned within two months, while external observers remain skeptical about its readiness. The precise location of the tests and detailed specifications of the cruise missile were not disclosed, leaving key technical details unverified.

Reuters

• “KCNA said Kim hailed recent advances in weapons development and called for further efforts to expand North Korea's war deterrence and combat capabilities.” — Kim Jong Un, KCNA

Reuters

• “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.” — KCNA

North Korean leader Kim observes weapons tests from new naval destroyer

• “After observing the tests from shore, Kim ordered officials to complete the destroyer's trials and place the vessel in active duty within two months, the state news agency said.” — KCNA

North Korean leader Kim observes weapons tests from new naval destroyer

Kim has reiterated a schedule to build two additional 5,000-ton destroyers annually and to develop a larger 10,000-ton warship. Continued naval trials, further missile tests, and the advancement of a nuclear-powered submarine are expected to follow as part of North Korea’s broader maritime deterrence strategy.

Kim oversees weapons tests aboard North Korea's new destroyer