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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen tests of a strategic cruise missile 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.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim observed tests of a cruise missile, naval artillery, automatic machine guns and electronic warfare means from the destroyer Kang Kon on Friday. The report described the tests as part of efforts to examine and confirm an ability to "apply various kinds of weapon systems on board the destroyer in combat."

The North's leader called for further speeding up efforts to expand the country's war deterrent and capability to fight a war. "He affirmed that we will demonstrate through more obvious actions our political will and determination to have an absolute power," the KCNA reported. Kim also gave an instruction to complete the trial process of the destroyer in a responsible manner and commission it for the Navy within two months.

Coverage comparison

Two reports from Yonhap News — English, both citing the Korean Central News Agency, cover related but distinct developments in North Korea's naval program. The first, published July 5, focuses on Kim's oversight of weapons tests from the destroyer Kang Kon and the order to commission the vessel within two months. The second, dated June 24, reports on the commissioning ceremony of a different 5,000-ton destroyer, named Choe Hyon, at the western port of Nampho on June 23.

The two reports present differing names for the newest destroyer. The July article identifies the vessel as Kang Kon, noting that it was launched in June last year after an initial launch attempt tipped over. The June article describes the commissioning of the Choe Hyon, which was unveiled in April last year and had undergone weapons tests in recent months. Since the two articles may refer to different ships or to the same vessel under different names is not clarified; the discrepancy remains unresolved in the available reporting.

Both reports quote KCNA, and both describe Kim's emphasis on strengthening the Navy. In the June report, Kim voiced expectations that the Navy's combat capabilities would grow to a level "admirable beyond imagination" and described the deployment of the destroyer as "a strategic course of crucial importance" that would strengthen the country's nuclear deterrent and enable more diverse and effective operation of its nuclear forces.

Key claims

The following claims are drawn from the Yonhap reports, which attribute them to the Korean Central News Agency:

  • Kim Jong-un oversaw tests of a strategic cruise missile and other weapons from a new 5,000-ton naval destroyer, ordering the warship to be commissioned into the Navy within two months.
  • The destroyer is named Kang Kon.
  • The destroyer is named Choe Hyon.
  • The tests were part of efforts to examine and confirm an ability to apply various kinds of weapon systems on board the destroyer in combat.
  • North Korea has commissioned a new 5,000-ton destroyer, with Kim voicing expectations that the Navy's combat capabilities will be strengthened.
  • Kim described the deployment of the destroyer as a strategic course of crucial importance to strengthen the country's nuclear deterrent.
  • North Korea plans to construct two Choe Hyon-class or larger surface combatants each year, including 10,000-ton-class cruisers.

Perspectives

  • North Korean state media (via KCNA): Kim Jong-un's actions are framed as part of efforts to expand the country's war deterrent and capability to fight a war. The reports quote Kim describing the destroyer's deployment as crucial for strengthening the nuclear deterrent and saying the Navy is "rising into a full-fledged service equipped with strategic means." Kim also expressed confidence that the Navy's combat capability will grow to be "admirable beyond imagination."