North Korea's state news agency KCNA today published photos showing leader Kim Jong-un standing on a pier, observing a sea-to-land strategic cruise missile being test-fired from the destroyer Choe Hyon in coastal waters.

According to KCNA, the test launch took place on 4/3, during Kim's inspection of a shipyard in the western port city of Nampho. The purpose was to evaluate the crew's combat training and the Choe Hyon warship's operational capabilities.

North Korea's use of the term "strategic weapon" indicates this cruise missile can carry nuclear warheads. This capability is considered a "core" element of the North Korean warship's operational power.

Kim Jong-un observes the Choe Hyon warship test-firing a missile on 4/3. *Photo: KCNA*.

The Choe Hyon is the first in a series of 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class destroyers North Korea is developing. This multi-role warship is expected to fulfill Kim's ambition of transforming the North Korean navy into an offshore operational force, increasing its power and deterrence capabilities against adversaries.

The second vessel, named Kang Kon, experienced a launching mishap in 5/2025. It had to be returned to the shipyard for repairs before successfully launching a second time in 6/2026.

A third warship is currently being completed at the Nampho shipyard, with completion expected in 10/2026. During his inspection tour, Kim also visited and discussed this warship, according to KCNA.

North Korean destroyer Choe Hyon test-fires a missile on 4/3. *Photo: KCNA*.

Leader Kim urged North Korea to build at least two Choe Hyon-class warships annually over the next five years.

"Our naval forces, with their underwater and surface strike capabilities, will develop rapidly. The nuclear armament of the navy is making satisfactory progress," Kim said.

While North Korea calls the multi-role Choe Hyon-class warship a destroyer, Western experts classify it as a heavy missile frigate. Its displacement is comparable to advanced European warships.

The warship is equipped with a total of 74 vertical launch system (VLS) tubes, housed in two launch clusters forward and aft of the superstructure. These can fire various types of nuclear-capable missiles, enhancing North Korea's deterrence capabilities.

Nhu Tam (According to Yonhap, AFP)