The Kang Kon warship's sea trials occurred on 4/6, with details released on 6/6. Images from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, were on board during the tests.

Kim urged the rapid development of naval forces, emphasizing their role in North Korea's nuclear deterrence capabilities. He stated these forces must be able to "deliver a fatal blow to enemies from underwater or on the surface at any time."

Kim Jong-un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae inspected the Kang Kon warship's trial on 4/6. Photo: *KCNA*

Kim Jong-un highlighted the navy as a central component of the five-year defense plan, approved at the Labor Party of Korea's congress earlier this year. The plan includes developing a 10,000-ton displacement destroyer and secret underwater weaponry.

The Kang Kon is the second vessel of the Choe Hyon class, representing North Korea's largest and most modern warship. It experienced a serious incident during its launch ceremony at a shipyard in Chongjin in 5/2025. Satellite images depicted the vessel capsized and precariously balanced, partially on land and partially submerged, a condition highly challenging for salvage.

KCNA initially reported that "some parts of the ship's bottom were crushed," but a subsequent detailed inspection of the underwater section and interior of the warship revealed no holes, contradicting preliminary information.

The Kang Kon warship was successfully salvaged and launched in 6/2025. At that time, Western experts raised doubts about its ability to achieve full operational status.

The Kang Kon warship during sea trials on 4/6. Photo: *KCNA*

North Korea designates the Choe Hyon class as destroyers, though Western experts categorize them as heavy missile frigates. These vessels possess a displacement comparable to advanced European warships.

Initially, Choe Hyon class ships featured 74 vertical launch system (VLS) tubes, situated in two clusters fore and aft of the superstructure. North Korea subsequently appeared to modify this configuration, reducing the VLS count to 68.

For comparison, the United States' canceled Constellation-class frigates featured only 32 Mark 41 launch tubes. In contrast, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, exceeding 9,000 tons displacement, are equipped with 90-96 tubes.

Pham Giang (According to KCNA, AP)