Pyongyang reportedly tested anti-ship, air defense, and strike systems aboard a 5,000-ton destroyer
North Korea has tested a strategic cruise missile and other weapon systems aboard its newest naval destroyer, KCNA state news agency reported Sunday. The country’s leader Kim Jong-un reportedly observed the launch and evaluations of the vessel’s combat systems.
Conducted on July 3 aboard the newly built 5,000-ton warship Kang Kon, the tests reportedly assessed the vessel’s target detection and information processing capabilities, integrated firepower system, naval guns, automatic cannons, and electronic warfare equipment as part of its performance evaluation.
The news agency cited Kim as hailing the reliability and combat effectiveness of the destroyer’s weapon systems.
The North Korean leader reportedly noted that recent advances in domestic weapons development demonstrated the potential of the country’s naval combat systems to strengthen military readiness for strategic operations.
© KCNA
Kim also outlined further plans for developing additional surface and underwater combat systems and deploying them in operational waters, according to the report.
© KCNA
He called for continued efforts to expand North Korea’s war deterrence and war-fighting capabilities, KCNA noted.
© KCNA
The country’s leader ordered officials to complete the destroyer’s testing program and commission the vessel into the navy within two months, according to the report.
© KCNA
Kim reportedly convened a consultative meeting later in the day on the development of the country’s shipbuilding industry.
© KCNA
In June, Pyongyang commissioned the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon and announced plans to deploy the Kang Kon, a vessel of the same class, as part of North Korea’s broader naval modernization drive.
© KCNA
He also revealed plans to follow the current destroyer program with a new class of 10,000-ton strategic surface combatants.
© KCNA
July 5, 2026 at 04:01PM
RT