North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw weapons trials aboard the 5,000-tonne destroyer Kang Kun, which included cruise missile launches and the use of electronic warfare systems, official media reported on Wednesday. The warship is the same vessel that partially capsized during its commissioning ceremony last year before being repaired.
The tests were conducted less than two weeks after another 5,000-tonne destroyer, the Choe Hyon, entered service, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). At the commissioning ceremony for the Choe Hyon, Kim pledged to arm his navy with nuclear weapons and develop new warships displacing 10,000 tonnes.
Following the weapons tests, Kim ordered the Kang Kun to be commissioned into the navy within two months, according to the agency. A photo released by KCNA showed Kim surrounded by officials watching the tests from a coastal observation post.
A separate image showed the Kang Kun firing a missile at sea, with a cloud of smoke rising from the launch site. Kim stressed the need to accelerate the strengthening of North Korea's war deterrence, reaffirming his country's determination to possess absolute power, according to the agency.
The Kang Kun suffered an accident during its launch in May of last year, when it partially capsized and was damaged in Kim's presence. The North Korean leader described the incident as a criminal act resulting from absolute negligence and ordered those responsible to be held accountable. Analysts believe Kim's directive to commission the ship within two months may be tied to a significant political anniversary.
North Korea first unveiled the destroyer Choe Hyon in April 2025, with Kim describing it as a major step toward expanding his military's operational range and pre-emptive strike capabilities.
KCNA said the warship is equipped with a range of systems, including anti-aircraft and anti-ship weapons, as well as ballistic missiles and cruise missiles with nuclear capabilities.
Hong Min, of the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, said that given North Korea's political calendar, the most likely scenario is that the ship will be commissioned to coincide with the country's 78th founding anniversary on 9 September.
He added that after entering service, the warship would likely be based off the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula. He noted that for now, the focus would probably be on building proficiency in low-risk coastal operations.