North Korea: Kim visits warship, oversees missile launch

"Every year during the new five-year plan period, we must build two surface warships of this class or of a higher class. The ship is North Korea's first of a series of 5,000 ton Choe Hyon-class destroyers, designed to handle various weapons systems, including anti-air and anti-naval weapons, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles."

"State media says the ship is designed to handle various weapons systems, including anti-air and anti-naval weapons, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. South Korean military officials say the vessel was likely made with Russian assistance or technical input. KCNA also said he oversaw the test-firing of a strategic cruise missile, releasing photos appearing to show more than one projectile being launched from the Choe Hyon destroyer."

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a 5,000-ton destroyer at Nampho shipyard to oversee a strategic cruise missile test, announcing plans to construct two surface warships of this class or higher annually during the new five-year plan period. The Choe Hyon-class destroyer, North Korea's first of its series, is designed to handle various weapons systems including anti-air, anti-naval, and nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. South Korean military officials suggest Russian assistance or technical input aided the vessel's construction. The second ship of this class experienced a failed launch in May but was successfully relaunched in June. Kim's visit reflects his continued prioritization of military modernization and maritime power expansion in the Pacific Ocean.

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