Kim Jong Un Oversees North Korean Missile Test, Calls for Increased Combat Strength

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a strategic cruise missile firing test and evaluations of anti-ship, anti-submarine, and air defence systems aboard the naval destroyer Kang Kon, state media KCNA reported on Sunday. The tests were conducted on Friday as part of an assessment of the newly built warship’s combat systems, including checks on target detection and information processing capabilities, integrated firepower systems, naval guns, automated cannons, and electronic warfare equipment. According to the report, Kim was briefed on the ship’s weapons evaluation programme before witnessing the strategic cruise missile launch and other tests. KCNA reported that Kim praised the latest progress in weapons development and called for further efforts to expand North Korea’s war deterrence and combat capabilities. He ordered officials to complete the Kang Kon’s trials and commission the destroyer into naval service within two months. Late last month, North Korea commissioned the 5,000-tonne destroyer Choe Hyon and announced plans to deploy the Kang Kon, a vessel of the same class, as part of a broader naval modernisation effort. Kim has called for the construction of two warships of this class each year for the next five years and also outlined plans for a larger 10,000-tonne warship.