Key facts
- Kim Jong Un oversaw tests of strategic cruise missiles and other weapons from the naval destroyer Kang Kon.
- Kim Jong Un ordered the Kang Kon destroyer to be commissioned into the Navy within two months.
- The tests included cruise missiles, naval artillery, automatic guns, and electronic warfare means.
- North Korea launched the destroyer Kang Kon in June of the previous year, after it tipped over during its initial launch.
- South Korea and the U.S. are analyzing the specifics of the cruise weapons fired by the warship.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen tests of strategic cruise missiles and other weapons from a new 5,000-ton naval destroyer, ordering the warship to be commissioned into the Navy within two months, state media reported Sunday.
Kim observed tests of cruise missiles, naval artillery, automatic guns, and electronic warfare means from the destroyer Kang Kon on Friday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The South Korean military confirmed detecting the North's firing of cruise weapons from the warship toward the East Sea on Friday, and Seoul and Washington are analyzing the specifics.
The KCNA reported the tests were part of efforts to examine and confirm the ability to "apply various kinds of weapon systems on board the destroyer in combat." Kim called for accelerated efforts to expand the country's war deterrent and capability. Footage released by North Korean state-run TV showed approximately 10 cruise missiles soaring into the sky in succession.
Experts suggest the missiles launched were likely Hwasal-series cruise missiles, and North Korea aims to deploy them on its new destroyers. The reference to "strategic" weapons implies potential nuclear capabilities. Last month, North Korea commissioned a similar 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, for the West Sea. Analysts believe North Korea is accelerating the commissioning of the Kang Kon for the East Sea to advance the deployment of maritime nuclear capabilities.