North Korea Tests Cruise & Anti-Ship Missiles from Choe Hyon Destroyer

North Korea conducted missile tests on Sunday as part of operational efficiency trials for its destroyer Choe Hyon. Leader Kim Jong Un observed the test alongside senior defense officials and naval commanders, according to state media KCNA.

Two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-warship missiles were fired to check the warship’s integrated weapons command system, train crews in missile-launch procedures, and verify the accuracy and anti-jamming performance of upgraded navigation systems. The cruise missiles flew for about 7,869 to 7,920 seconds, and the anti-warship missiles for about 1,960 to 1,973 seconds over waters off the western coast, striking their targets with ultra-precision accuracy.

Kim Jong Un reiterated his focus on strengthening nuclear war deterrent capabilities and improving strategic and tactical strike capabilities and rapid-response readiness. He also called for accelerating the construction of additional destroyers, indicating plans to build two more in 2026 and commission ships annually thereafter.