North Korea launched anti-ship and cruise missiles last weekend from first-in-class destroyer Choe Hyon (51) with North Korea leader Kim Jong Un overseeing the trials, state media reported 12 April 2026, US Naval Institute News reports.
Two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles were fired Sunday as part of Choe Hyon’soperational efficiency tests, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. North Korea uses the term “strategic” on its missile systems to indicate nuclear warhead capability. The test was conducted to inspect the launch control system of the ship’s integrated weapon command system, familiarizing sailors with missile firing action and confirming the accuracy and target-hitting capability of the improved active anti-obstacle navigation system, according to KCNA.
The strategic cruise missiles flew over the Yellow Sea for about two hours and 11 minutes while the anti-ship missiles flew for around 32 minutes and 40 seconds. All missiles hit their targets, KCNAreported.
The Sunday launch is the first publicly disclosed firing of anti-ship missiles from Choe Hyon. The launch is the third known test launch of strategic cruise missiles. Choe Hyon was launched April 25, 2025, and is North Korea’s largest warship. The 5,000-ton destroyer is said to have nuclear weapons capabilities with its cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles carrying nuclear warheads.
The North Korean leader observed the firing alongside defense officials and senior Korean People’s Army Navy (KPAN) officers. Imagery published by KCNA shows Kim and officials in front of the destroyer while it was docked, speaking to the crew while on the bridge and observing the firing from a pier in the city of Nampo, located on North Korea’s west coast. Additional photos show the destroyer conducting firings with the city in the background.
The North Korea leader stated that continuously and limitlessly expanding and strengthening a powerful and reliable nuclear war deterrence is his most critical priority, KCNA reported.
Kim was also briefed on the weapon systems plan for the third and fourth Choe Hyon-class destroyers under construction. The report is the first indication that construction on a fourth Choe Hyon-class destroyer has begun.
Kim previously called for a build rate of two Choe Hyon-class destroyers or larger warships annually. In June last year, following the relaunch of the second Choe Hyon destroyer, Kang Kon (52), Kim announced the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) had officially approved a plan to build two additional 5,000-ton destroyers in 2026.
The third destroyer is slated to be completed by the WPK’s founding anniversary on Oct. 10. The third destroyer is being built at Nampo Shipyard. It is unclear where the fourth destroyer is being built. Chongjin Shipyard on North Korea’s east coast built Kang Kon but the ship suffered a failed launch May 21 that resulted in the destroyer sinking. Raijin Shipyard, located 50 miles north of Chongjin Shipyard, repaired and relaunched Kang Kon.
