On Tuesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a strategic cruise missile test launch from the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon Ho and declared that the country’s nuclear forces have entered a multifaceted operational phase.
The following day, the state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper reported that the cruise missiles flew along a predetermined path over the West Sea for approximately 2.82 to 3.09 hours, successfully striking designated island targets.
Kim, who watched the launch via video link alongside his daughter Ju Ae, expressed strong approval and issued orders concerning the military effectiveness of the ship-mounted automatic weapons systems.
He advocated for maintaining fast attack craft under 3,000 tons while recommending the installation of supersonic weapon systems on 5,000-ton and 8,000-ton destroyers in place of automatic cannons. This change, Kim argued, would enhance their fleet-to-fleet and strategic strike capabilities. He stressed the importance of implementing this new weapons configuration starting with the third ship in the series.
The North Korean leader boasted about the nation’s defense capabilities, claiming that their deterrence components are now integrated into a sophisticated operational system. He asserted that the country’s nuclear forces have progressed to a multifaceted operational stage, providing a strategic advantage in military activities and bolstering national potential.
Kim reiterated the regime’s stance that these ongoing weapons enhancements are purely defensive measures.
The newspaper also reported that Kim outlined several key initiatives to boost naval power. These included finalizing the evaluation of the destroyer’s mobility, anti-air, anti-submarine, and mine warfare capabilities to ensure timely delivery to the navy. He also pushed for accelerating the construction of another destroyer in time for the party’s founding anniversary and called for reinforcing existing naval bases while establishing new ones. Specific details of these plans were not disclosed.
Notably, this missile test coincided with the ongoing U.S.-South Korea joint exercise Freedom Shield (FS), which commenced on Monday. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, had earlier condemned the joint drills, warning of severe consequences.
Prior to this event, on March 3 and 4, Kim had personally visited the Choe Hyon Ho to oversee operational assessment procedures and observe a sea-to-ground strategic cruise missile test launch.