The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the tests were conducted on 3/7 to evaluate the combat system of the new warship. The tests aimed to check: target detection and information processing capabilities, integrated fire control systems, various automatic cannons, and electronic warfare equipment.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un received a report on the warship's weapon test plan before observing the Kang Kon fire a series of weapons, including "strategic cruise missiles". Pyongyang often uses the term "strategic" to refer to weapons capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Kim Jong-un inspects weapon tests on the Kang Kon destroyer on 3/7. Photo: KCNA.

Kim Jong-un inspects weapon tests on the Kang Kon destroyer on 3/7. Photo: KCNA.

According to KCNA, the North Korean leader praised recent advancements in weapon development, urging officials to intensify efforts to expand strategic deterrence and national combat capabilities. He also called for the completion of the Kang Kon's testing process and its commissioning into the North Korean navy within two months.

Images released by KCNA showed Kim, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, standing at a high vantage point to observe the test. Another photo depicted the Kang Kon launching a series of strategic cruise missiles.

The Kang Kon is the second vessel of the Choe Hyon class, North Korea's largest and most modern warship class. The vessel experienced a serious incident during its launching ceremony at a shipyard in Chongjin city in 5/2025. Satellite images showed it capsized and in a precarious position, half on land and half in water, which is one of the most challenging states for rescue operations.

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

The Kang Kon warship was successfully salvaged and launched in 6/2025. Western experts at the time questioned whether it could achieve full operational status.

The tests occurred nearly two weeks after North Korea commissioned the Choe Hyon, the first vessel of its class. Kim Jong-un then pledged to equip the navy with nuclear weapons and develop new warships with displacements up to 10,000 tons.

North Korea designates the Choe Hyon class as destroyers, while Western experts classify them as heavy missile frigates with displacements comparable to advanced warships in Europe.

Strategic cruise missile launched from the Kang Kon during tests on 3/7. Photo: KCNA.

Strategic cruise missile launched from the Kang Kon during tests on 3/7. Photo: KCNA.

Vessels of the Choe Hyon class initially featured 74 vertical launch system (VLS) cells, arranged in two launcher clusters forward and aft of the superstructure. North Korea later appeared to alter the configuration, reducing it to 68 VLS cells.

For comparison, the United States' canceled Constellation-class frigates had only 32 Mark 41 launch cells, while Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, with displacements exceeding 9,000 tons, are equipped with 90-96 cells.

By Vu Hoang (According to KCNA, AFP, Reuters)