North Korean leader Kim observes weapons tests from new naval destroyer
Kim ordered the destroyer’s trials finished after tests of cruise missiles, guns and electronic warfare systems, as North Korea expands naval firepower.
- On Friday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed weapons tests aboard the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon, ordering officials to complete trial processes and commission the vessel into naval service within two months.
- The tests evaluated the Kang Kon's combat systems, including strategic cruise missile launches, naval artillery, and electronic warfare capabilities, confirming the ability to "apply various kinds of weapon systems on board the destroyer in combat."
- This vessel was previously repaired following a May 2025 launch ceremony where it partially capsized, an incident Kim blamed on "absolute carelessness" and "irresponsibility" among officials.
- Kim has called for constructing two warships of this class annually over the next five years, aiming to expand the navy's nuclear armament and develop larger 10,000-ton vessels.
- Addressing the need to accelerate the North's "war deterrent," Kim affirmed the regime "will demonstrate through more obvious actions our political will and determination to have absolute power.
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A year after a disastrous maiden launch, North Korea's new destroyer is up and firing its guns
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Kim Oversees North Korean Cruise Missile Launch, State Media Says
Is North Korea accelerating its naval ambitions? Fresh weapons tests suggest Pyongyang is determined to strengthen what leader Kim Jong Un has long described as the military’s weakest link. Kim Jong Un has long described it as the military’s weakest link.According to state media, Kim personally observed the test-firing of a strategic cruise missile aboard the newly built Kang Kon destroyer. He also inspected the anti-ship, anti-submarine, and ai…
North Korea is experiencing a new 5,000-ton water-shift destroyer as part of a large-scale fleet development programme.
North Korea reports tests on the destroyer "Kang Kon" including a nuclear-weapon-capable cruise missile. Kim Jong Un personally watched the tests.
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