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North Korea’s newly commissioned 5,000‑ton destroyer Choe Hyon launched two strategic cruise missiles and three anti‑ship missiles in a test overseen by Kim Jong Un, marking the vessel’s first public anti‑ship missile firing. Analysts highlight the ship’s 44 vertical launch cells, 30 larger cruise‑missile cells and Russian‑derived design, including a Pantsir‑M air‑defense system, suggesting a shift toward a flexible, sea‑based nuclear deterrent. The exercise underscores Pyongyang’s effort to compensate for limited submarine capability and expand maritime strike options.

What is a key fact in this story? (1)

**North Korea** test‑fired two strategic cruise missiles and three anti‑ship missiles from the Choe Hyon destroyer, with Kim Jong Un watching from a pier (per KCNA and multiple media outlets).

What is a key fact in this story? (2)

**Choe Hyon** is a 5,000‑ton, 144‑meter multi‑mission destroyer equipped with 44 VLS cells, 30 larger cruise‑missile cells, CIWS, a 127‑mm gun, UAV deck, and a Russian Pantsir‑M air‑defense system (Beyond Parallel analysis).

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North Korea tests missiles from new Choe Hyon destroyer — SkimNews

By Asia Times · Summarized & edited by Kapil Samant · 2026-04-18

SkimNews Take

North Korea's new destroyer, despite its Russian design, reflects an indigenous adaptation to project power, compensating for submarine limitations with a visible, flexible platform.

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North Korea test‑fired two strategic cruise missiles and three anti‑ship missiles from the Choe Hyon destroyer, with Kim Jong Un watching from a pier (per KCNA and multiple media outlets).
Choe Hyon is a 5,000‑ton, 144‑meter multi‑mission destroyer equipped with 44 VLS cells, 30 larger cruise‑missile cells, CIWS, a 127‑mm gun, UAV deck, and a Russian Pantsir‑M air‑defense system (Beyond Parallel analysis).
Beyond Parallel analysts say the ship can perform anti‑air, anti‑ship, anti‑submarine, anti‑ballistic, hypersonic cruise and tactical ballistic missile missions, expanding North Korea’s sea‑based nuclear signaling (Joseph Bermudez Jr. et al.).
Wall Street Journal notes the destroyer’s design mirrors Russia’s Grigorovich‑class frigates and suggests Russian assistance in its rapid 13‑month construction (Mike Plunkett video).
Russia likely supplied the Pantsir‑M system and other naval technology, reflecting a deepening defense partnership after Kim’s 2023 visit (WSJ analysis).
KCNA called the missiles "strategic" and reiterated that bolstering the nuclear deterrent remains a top priority for the regime.

Why it matters: The Choe Hyon’s 30 cruise‑missile cells let North Korea threaten regional ships with longer‑range strikes.