IRIA News

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a comprehensive series of combat system evaluations aboard the newly built guided missile destroyer Kang Kon, as Pyongyang continues to advance its naval modernization programme and expand the operational capabilities of the Korean People’s Navy.

The weapons trials included launches of strategic and supersonic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missiles and live-fire exercises involving the ship’s naval guns, close-in weapon systems and electronic warfare equipment. The tests were conducted to verify the destroyer’s combat readiness before it enters active service.

North Korean state media, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported that Kim Jong Un inspected the destroyer after receiving a briefing on its weapons systems and observed the performance tests at sea.

The evaluations were designed to assess the vessel’s integrated combat capabilities, including its ability to detect, track and engage multiple threats under operational conditions.

The trials mark another milestone in North Korea’s naval development programme following the commissioning of the lead ship of the Choe Hyon-class earlier this year.

The launch of the Kang Kon destroyer also demonstrates North Korea’s determination to field more capable surface combatants equipped with long-range precision strike weapons despite continuing international sanctions.

Comprehensive Combat Systems Evaluation

The exercises included the launch of a strategic cruise missile, a supersonic cruise missile, anti-aircraft missiles and live-fire drills using the destroyer’s 127 mm main gun, automatic naval guns and close-in defence systems.

The ship also tested smoke generators, electronic countermeasure equipment and decoy launchers intended to improve survivability against missile and air attacks.

The state news agency described the trials as a comprehensive assessment of the destroyer’s integrated weapon systems, command-and-control network and fire-control capabilities.

The evaluation also examined target detection, information processing and coordinated engagement of multiple threats, providing what North Korea described as verification of the ship’s overall combat performance.

Following the tests, Kim stressed the need to continue strengthening the navy’s offensive and defensive capabilities, stating that “it is important to establish a proactive and offensive defensive system on the premise of powerful attack capability.”

The North Korean leader also called for maritime sovereignty to be protected through overwhelming military strength and instructed officials to complete the vessel’s remaining trials before its formal commissioning.

Kang Kon Returns After Failed Launch

The latest weapons evaluation is particularly significant because the Kang Kon suffered a major launch accident during its side-launch ceremony at Chongjin Shipyard in May 2025.

A malfunction in the launch mechanism caused the 5,000-ton destroyer to partially capsize, damaging sections of the hull and prompting Kim to describe the incident as a “criminal act.”

North Korean authorities subsequently carried out an extensive recovery operation to refloat, repair and restore the vessel.

The destroyer later underwent harbour and sea trials before progressing to the current phase of live weapons testing, indicating that it has returned to operational condition within little more than a year.

The Kang Kon is the second vessel of the Choe Hyon-class and one of the largest and most advanced surface combatants ever built by North Korea. Together with its sister ship, Choe Hyon, it represents a significant improvement over the country’s ageing fleet of smaller coastal warships.

North Korea’s Naval Modernization

Images released by KCNA indicate that the destroyer is equipped with multiple vertical launch systems capable of carrying land-attack cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles and surface-to-air interceptors.

The vessel also appears to feature phased-array radar, modern fire-control sensors, electronic warfare suites and close-in weapon systems, reflecting North Korea’s efforts to field increasingly sophisticated naval platforms.

The testing of both strategic and supersonic cruise missiles highlights North Korea’s growing emphasis on sea-based precision strike capabilities. Combined with continued development of submarine-launched missile programmes, the destroyer programme forms part of a broader strategy to diversify North Korea’s deterrence options beyond its land-based missile forces.

Kim has identified naval modernization as a central component of his wider military development agenda, announcing plans to construct additional destroyers and larger warships in the coming years.

The rapid recovery and successful testing of the Kang Kon demonstrate the North Korean regime’s determination to accelerate fleet modernization and strengthen its maritime deterrent posture.