North Korea Tests Cruise And Anti-Ship Missiles From 5,000-Ton Naval Destroyer

North Korea has carried out another missile test from its Choe Hyon-class destroyer as part of trials to check the ship’s combat systems and crew readiness, according to state media.

The test took place on April 12 off the country’s western coast. Two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles were launched during the drill.

The exercise was designed to evaluate the operational efficiency of the warship’s integrated weapons command system, while also training crew in missile-launch procedures and verifying navigation accuracy under electronic interference.

Leader Kim Jong Un observed the test along with senior defence officials and naval commanders. Per reports, the missiles struck their targets with what was described as high precision.

The cruise missiles flew for about 7,869 to 7,920 seconds, while the anti-ship missiles remained airborne for around 1,960 to 1,973 seconds along pre-set trajectories before striking their targets.

The drill combined both land-attack and maritime strike elements, indicating an effort to validate multi-role combat operations from a single platform.

The Choe Hyon-class guided-missile destroyer is designed to deploy both cruise missiles and anti-ship systems through an integrated vertical launch configuration, allowing rapid switching between mission types.

The test also assessed anti-jamming navigation systems aimed at maintaining accuracy in electronically contested environments.

Cruise missiles used in such systems typically rely on inertial navigation supported by satellite updates, while anti-ship missiles use active radar seekers during the final phase to engage moving targets.

On the same day, Kim Jong Un was briefed on weapon system plans for additional destroyers under construction. This points to continued work on expanding the Choe Hyon-class fleet, with at least four ships expected as part of the programme.

North Korea first test-fired weapons from the approximately 5,000-ton destroyer in April 2025.

Later announcements indicated plans to build more destroyers from 2026, with a goal of commissioning two ships each year, either of the same type or an improved version.

During the briefing, Kim said strengthening the country’s nuclear deterrent remains a priority. He also called for improvements in both strategic and tactical strike capabilities, as well as faster response readiness.

The Choe Hyon-class destroyer is part of an effort to upgrade North Korea’s navy, with ships designed to carry both cruise missiles for land targets and anti-ship missiles for use at sea.

References: KCNA, Reuters