North Korea Tests Missiles From New Destroyer Under Kim Jong Un's Watch

North Korea has conducted fresh missile tests from its newest warship, the Choe Hyon destroyer, as part of ongoing operational trials observed by leader Kim Jong Un and top military officials. State media outlet KCNA reported the tests on Tuesday, confirming that two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-warship missiles were launched over waters along the country's western coast.

The firing exercise was designed to evaluate the vessel's integrated weapons command system, sharpen crew readiness in missile-launch procedures, and confirm the precision and anti-jamming capabilities of its upgraded navigation technology. According to KCNA, the cruise missiles remained airborne for roughly 7,869 to 7,920 seconds, while the anti-warship missiles flew for approximately 1,960 to 1,973 seconds — both reportedly striking their targets with high accuracy.

During the same visit, Kim was briefed on weapons system plans for two additional destroyers currently under construction, signaling that North Korea is pressing forward with a third and fourth vessel in the Choe Hyon class. This marks what analysts believe to be the first official acknowledgment of a fourth destroyer being built.

Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University, noted that the accelerated production pace suggests Pyongyang is working to establish a full destroyer flotilla rather than deploying individual ships. He also pointed out that North Korea appears to be capitalizing on global strategic distractions — including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East — to fast-track advances in its nuclear arsenal and missile delivery systems.

Kim reiterated that bolstering the country's nuclear war deterrent remains a national priority, urging continued improvements in both strategic and tactical strike capabilities as well as rapid-response readiness. The North Korean embassy in Beijing did not respond to requests for comment.