North Korea’s Newest Destroyer Fires Missiles Under Kim Jong-un’s Supervision

Choi Hyun Destroyer — Image Credits: Wikipedia

North Korea has launched a combat suitability test of its newly built multi-purpose destroyer, Choi Hyun, to assess the performance of its weapon systems, according to a report by KCNA.

The trials were jointly organised by the General Administration of Missiles of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the Academy of Defense Science, and the General Administration of Detection and Electronic Warfare.

The first round of tests took place for over two days, on April 28 and 29, 2025.

On the first day, the destroyer fired several weapons, including supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles, air defense missiles, and 127mm ship-borne automatic guns.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un personally supervised the first day of testing. He was accompanied by top officials from the involved defense and research departments, as well as personnel from the Nampo Shipyard.

During his visit, Kim boarded the destroyer and reviewed the detailed schedule and stages of the test program from the ship’s weapon system review team.

Officials on-site expressed concern about the striking power of the 127mm ship-borne automatic gun, which appeared to be notably powerful during the trial.

Kim Jong-un praised the advance preparation and quick start of the destroyer’s combat suitability test.

He urged all departments involved to carry out the testing phase thoroughly and as scheduled so that the vessel’s weapon system can move into full operational integration soon.

Kim also expressed high regard for what was described as a Korean-style shipboard firepower system.

This system integrates strong strike capabilities-such as supersonic cruise missiles and strategic cruise missiles-with standard defensive tools like tactical ballistic missiles, enabling balanced offensive and defensive performance.

He noted that destroyers should not be limited to the basic role of repelling enemy forces in territorial waters. Instead, he advocated for an active, attack-oriented defense strategy based on strong offensive strength.

Kim pointed out that the shipbuilding industry must focus on adopting new-generation, high-tech equipment, enhancing both attack and defense systems, and developing ships that can serve multiple functions at a more advanced level.

He said that it is now time to make serious decisions regarding the acceleration of nuclear armament within the navy to defend the nation and proposed related tasks to support this strategy.

On the second day, April 29, testing continued with the destroyer firing ship-to-ship tactical guided weapons. The trials also involved various shipboard automatic machine guns, smoke screen devices, and electronic jammers.

Reference: KCNA

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