North Korea Kim Jong Un Watches Naval Missile Drills on Choe Hyon Ship

North Korea tested 5 missiles from the Choe Hyon warship. This is part of their plan to make their navy stronger.
By Newsroom | Military, Asia |

North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, oversaw the test-firing of strategic cruise and anti-warship missiles from the warship Choe Hyon over the weekend, with state media reporting Tuesday that bolstering the navy's capabilities remains a primary focus. The drills involved launching two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-warship missiles off the country's western coast.

The reported exercises aim to assess the warship's integrated weapons command system, hone crews' missile-launch procedures, and verify the performance of upgraded navigation systems, according to state media. Kim Jong Un, accompanied by senior defense officials and naval commanders, also received briefings on plans for weapons systems on two additional destroyers currently under construction.

"Strengthening the country’s nuclear war deterrent remains a top priority," state media quoted Kim as saying, emphasizing the need to improve strategic and tactical strike capabilities and rapid-response readiness.

The cruise missiles reportedly flew for extended periods, between approximately 7,869 to 7,920 seconds, while the anti-warship missiles flew for about 1,960 to 1,973 seconds. State media described the launches as achieving "ultra-precision accuracy."

Read More: US Military Says 5 Dead After Destroying Two Boats in Eastern Pacific

These recent drills add to a series of weapons tests conducted by North Korea. The regime has previously tested ballistic missiles with cluster-bomb warheads and engaged in verbal exchanges with South Korea, criticizing hopes for improved relations. The latest naval tests signal a continued push by North Korea to expand its nuclear-capable forces and sea-based strike capabilities, particularly as regional tensions, such as those between the U.S. and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, escalate.

Background on the Choe Hyon Destroyer

The Choe Hyon, described as a 5,000-ton-class naval destroyer, was unveiled in April of last year, representing an effort by North Korea to modernize its naval power. This marks at least the second time Kim Jong Un has supervised missile tests from this particular vessel in recent weeks, underscoring its significance in the country's military development. Plans are reportedly in motion for the construction of third and fourth destroyers, indicating a sustained commitment to expanding the navy's fleet.

Read More: Manila finds cyanide on Chinese boats near Second Thomas Shoal, fears reef sabotage

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Kim Jong Un watch over the weekend?
Kim Jong Un watched North Korea test fire strategic cruise and anti-warship missiles from the Choe Hyon warship. This happened off the country's western coast.
Q: Why did North Korea do these naval drills?
The drills were to check the warship's weapons system, practice missile launches, and test new navigation systems. Kim Jong Un said strengthening the country's nuclear power is a top goal.
Q: What missiles were tested and how did they perform?
North Korea launched two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-warship missiles. State media said they hit their targets with "ultra-precision accuracy."
Q: What is the Choe Hyon warship?
The Choe Hyon is a 5,000-ton naval destroyer that North Korea showed last year. Kim Jong Un has watched missile tests from it before, showing it is important for their navy.
Q: What does this mean for North Korea's military?
These tests show North Korea wants to build more ships and improve its navy's ability to launch attacks from the sea. This is part of their plan to increase their nuclear weapons power.