North Korea fires cruise and anti‑warship missiles from destroyer Choe Hyon
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- North Korea test‑fired two strategic cruise missiles and three anti‑warship missiles from its destroyer Choe Hyon on April 12 as part of operational‑efficiency trials.
- Kim Jong Un observed the test with senior defence officials and naval commanders and was briefed on weapons‑system plans for two additional destroyers under construction.
- Cruise missiles flew for about 2 hours 11‑12 minutes; anti‑warship missiles lasted about 32 minutes 42‑53 seconds, and both struck their targets with ultra‑precision accuracy.
- The test aimed to check the destroyer’s integrated weapons command system, train crews in missile‑launch procedures, and verify the upgraded navigation system’s accuracy and anti‑jamming performance.
- Professor Lim Eul‑chul said the reference to a third and fourth destroyer suggests North Korea is accelerating the formation of a destroyer flotilla rather than fielding isolated platforms.
- North Korea intends to build two more destroyers in 2026 and commission two ships of the same or a more advanced class each year, according to Kim’s briefing.
- Kim Jong Un reiterated that strengthening the nuclear war deterrent remains a top priority and called for improving strategic and tactical strike capabilities and rapid‑response readiness.
Why it matters: The test demonstrates North Korea’s progress in fielding missile‑armed destroyers, boosting its conventional strike options and supporting its stated priority of a stronger nuclear deterrent, while the planned addition of multiple vessels signals a rapid expansion of its naval fleet.
