North Korea has conducted tests of strategic cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles from the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon Ho under the supervision of Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party.
On Tuesday, the party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on the test launches that took place on April 12. The report stated that the cruise missiles flew along a predetermined trajectory over the West Sea of Korea for 7,869 to 7,920 seconds, while the anti-ship missiles flew for 1,960 to 1,973 seconds, striking their targets with pinpoint accuracy.
The newspaper disclosed that two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles were launched. The test aimed to evaluate the vessel’s weapon integration command system, train marines in missile fire operations, and improve the accuracy and precision of the enhanced active anti-jamming navigation system.
According to the report, Kim expressed great satisfaction with the test results, noting that the readiness of North Korea’s military strategic actions has significantly improved in recent times.
He emphasized that continuously expanding and strengthening the country’s powerful and reliable nuclear deterrent is the Party’s unwavering national defense policy and top priority. Kim issued directives to further enhance strategic and tactical offensive capabilities, which form the foundation of nuclear deterrence, and to refine rapid response readiness. However, specific details of these tasks were not disclosed in the newspaper.
The report also mentioned that Kim reviewed and made important decisions regarding the weapon system configuration plans for the newly constructed destroyers No. 3 and No. 4.
It’s worth noting that North Korea had previously tested strategic cruise missiles from the Choe Hyon Ho on March 10, during the U.S.-South Korea joint exercise Freedom Shield. At that time, Kim observed the test via video call, accompanied by his daughter, Ju-ae.
Prior to this, Kim had visited the Choe Hyon Ho on March 3 and 4 to inspect operational capability assessment tests and, notably, observed the test launch of a sea-to-ground strategic cruise missile on March 4.
