North Korea has revamped the armament of its new 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon first unveiled in April, to prioritize regional missions.
On Tuesday, satellite imagery analysis firm SI Analytics (SIA) released an artificial intelligence (AI) based NK Insight report. The study revealed that Choe Hyon’s large vertical launch system (VLS), previously capable of operating submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), has been removed and replaced with multiple medium and small VLS units.
SIA’s images show that in April, the Choe Hyon’s bow featured 32 small VLS and 12 medium VLS. By October, this configuration had changed dramatically. All small VLS were removed, replaced by 36 medium VLS. At the stern, 10 large VLS were swapped for rectangular medium VLS modules, with new small VLS added on both sides.
SIA analysts believe this shift from large VLS capable of launching KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) to more numerous medium and small cells indicates a focus on enhancing cruise missile or hypersonic cruise missile capabilities.
The close-in weapon system (CIWS) on the Choe Hyon, previously of Russian or Chinese origin, has been replaced with what appears to be North Korean-manufactured weapons. New 14.5 mm machine guns have also been installed throughout the vessel. SIA noted that while this seems aimed at bolstering air defense, the use of outdated equipment is puzzling.
SIA interprets the Choe Hyon’s armament overhaul as prioritizing survivability and air defense over ground attack capabilities. They suggest that drawing from recent operational experiences during Russian deployments and weapons support, North Korea appears to be focusing on regional deterrence near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the Yellow Sea.
During the Choe Hyon’s launch ceremony, Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, declared that the navy’s operations must extend beyond territorial waters into the open seas, hinting at plans for a blue-water fleet. However, the recent armament changes suggest the Choe Hyon’s current primary mission is South Korea deterrence.
The armament modifications may also indicate that the Choe Hyon’s initial performance fell short of North Korean expectations. While Kim ordered a maritime performance and operational evaluation in October, SIA reports no detected sailings of the Choe Hyon. Instead, they observed a major armament reconfiguration in early October, with ongoing VLS maintenance activities, including open VLS hatches, this month.
SIA concludes that substantial time will be required for system integration, testing, and sea trials, adding that essentially, the vessel’s maritime operational capabilities remain unverified.