North Korea tests cruise missiles from new destroyer

Tokyo (ANTARA) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supervised a test launch of strategic cruise missiles from a newly operational destroyer, KCNA reported on Thursday (5 March).

According to the North Korean state media report, the sea-to-land missile test was conducted on Wednesday from the 5,000-tonne multipurpose warship Choe Hyon, built at the Nampho shipyard in the western port city and launched in April last year.

Kim expressed satisfaction with the test and described it as “an essential core element in assessing the destroyer’s operational capabilities.” He also described the vessel as a “new symbol” of North Korea’s naval defence, KCNA reported.

North Korea plans to build two warships of the Choe Hyon class or higher every year.

The country launched two destroyers in 2025, one of which was relaunched after listing to one side.

Source: Kyodo/OANA