Kim Jong Un boarded North Korea’s new 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon to inspect its maneuvering capabilities and ordered the vessel to be delivered to the navy by mid-June.
North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported on May 8 that Kim visited the destroyer on May 7 and observed a comprehensive maneuverability assessment ahead of the ship’s official commissioning.
According to the report, Kim reviewed the vessel’s navigation plan and praised naval personnel for improving their ability to operate the new destroyer, which he described as “a comprehensive product of modern military technology.”
Kim also toured combat operation areas, including the command center and weapons control room, to inspect the vessel’s combat readiness. Sea trials evaluating various maneuvering capabilities were reportedly conducted in the West Sea.
Kim said all tests required for the destroyer’s operational deployment were progressing smoothly and ordered the ship to be handed over to the navy as scheduled in mid-June.
He also outlined future deployment plans, operational missions and organizational assignments for additional newly built destroyers.
In addition, Kim convened a meeting with shipbuilding officials to review proposed design modifications for the third and fourth Choe Hyon-class destroyers, as well as plans for newly configured onboard weapons systems.
He described the revised shipbuilding plans as carrying “significant strategic importance,” saying the decision would fundamentally upgrade the military’s strategic operational readiness and bring major changes to North Korea’s war deterrence capabilities.
Kim’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, also accompanied him during the inspection. Ju Ae appeared wearing a leather jacket similar in style to Kim’s and was seen interacting closely with military personnel.
She was also photographed eating what appeared to be instant beef rice meals with crew members inside the ship’s dining hall and taking commemorative photos, moves that further fueled speculation about her potential successor role.
Senior military officials accompanying Kim during the inspection included Jo Chun Ryong, Kim Jong Sik, Navy Commander Pak Kwang Sop, Defense Ministry adviser Pak Jong Chon and several other defense and military industry officials.
North Korea launched two Choe Hyon-class 5,000-ton destroyers in April and June last year. In July, the country held a rally at the Nampo Shipyard to launch construction of the third vessel in the class.
Pyongyang has previously stated that it aims to complete the third destroyer by Oct. 10, the anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party, and plans to build two Choe Hyon-class destroyers annually.
