Overview
- North Korean state media said Kim Jong Un supervised a March 4 launch of sea-to-surface “strategic” cruise missiles from the 5,000-ton Choe Hyon during two days of inspections at Nampo.
- Kim observed a shakedown cruise and declared the destroyer met operational requirements, with the ship still undergoing evaluations ahead of commissioning.
- Kim directed the construction of two surface warships of the Choe Hyon class or larger each year through the new plan period, and KCNA said a third hull is being built for completion by October.
- KCNA linked the tests to progress in arming the navy with nuclear weapons, though there is no independent verification that the missiles are nuclear-capable or that such warheads are ready for naval deployment.
- South Korean officials and analysts questioned the destroyer’s full readiness, noted last year’s botched launch of the sister ship Kang Kon and possible Russian assistance, and viewed the display as messaging during U.S.–Israel operations against Iran and before U.S.–ROK drills.