North Korea has commissioned its new 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer, the Choe Hyon, into its navy, signaling a shift from a coastal defense force to a blue-water navy capable of Pacific operations.
Analysts suggest this announcement on Wednesday indicates Pyongyang’s intent to play a larger role in supporting China amid Taiwan tensions while enhancing its naval capabilities to counter U.S. influence.
Following the recent summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which agreed to strengthen military cooperation, speculation has risen about potential joint naval exercises involving North Korea, China, and possibly Russia.
North Korea Commissions New Destroyer Choe Hyon; Kim Says It Can Operate in Any Waters
North Korea’s latest destroyer, the Choe Hyon, is the largest combat vessel in its fleet. Pyongyang claims the ship is equipped with a vertical launch system (VLS) capable of deploying nuclear-armed cruise missiles and various guided weapons, touting it as a symbol of naval modernization and nuclear armament.
At the commissioning ceremony, Kim declared that the era of our navy serving solely as a coastal defense force is over. He asserted that the navy has evolved into a strategic asset, with its nuclear capabilities progressing steadily. This statement acknowledges past limitations while showcasing recent advancements.
Kim further stated that the Korean People’s Army Navy now has the capability to deploy its vessels to any desired area, with the mandate to patrol and establish presence in regions where enemy assets and bases are located. This suggests the Choe Hyon’s ability to conduct long-range operations and engage in strategic missions.
Kim also announced plans to deploy the Gang Geon destroyer soon, followed by the launch of 10,000-ton strategic vessels. This indicates imminent construction of these larger ships.
The Gang Geon, sister ship to the Choe Hyon, faced setbacks when it ran aground during its launch ceremony in Cheongjin last year. North Korea swiftly recovered and relaunched the vessel a month later. Kim personally observed its sea trials, emphasizing its rapid commissioning.
North Korea Has Accelerated Naval Buildup Since 2023, Including Construction of a Nuclear-Powered Submarine
In August 2021, Pyongyang’s Five-Year Plan for Defense Development outlined the creation of nuclear-powered submarines and underwater-launch nuclear weapons, marking a shift towards advanced maritime systems.
In August 2023, Kim inspected the 2nd Surface Ship Brigade of the East Sea Fleet and visited navy headquarters, his first solo naval inspection since 2016.
Last September, state media announced the launch of North Korea’s first tactical nuclear attack submarine, the Kim Gun Ok Hero. Experts believe this diesel-powered sub carries 10 vertical launch tubes for nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
Kim’s focus on naval power was evident during his Russia visit.
He toured the Pacific Fleet Command near Vladivostok, examining Russian naval assets including nuclear subs and the destroyer Admiral Shaposhnikov. Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam and Navy Commander Kim Myung Sik accompanied him, underscoring the visit’s importance.
In December, North Korea revealed construction of an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine, claiming it could launch nuclear-armed strategic missiles.
Military Cooperation Raised at North Korea–China Talks, Fueling Speculation Over Joint Drills With Russia
Pyongyang’s rapid naval modernization and Kim’s emphasis on blue-water capabilities suggest plans to extend naval operations to the Taiwan Strait and Pacific.
The West Sea Fleet could potentially support China in Taiwan-related scenarios, while the East Sea Fleet aims to counter U.S. naval dominance in the Pacific. Cooperation with Russia’s Pacific Fleet could accelerate these capabilities.
At the recent Pyongyang summit, President Xi stressed strengthening bilateral exchanges in diplomacy, law enforcement, and military affairs.
Experts view this as China seeking North Korean support on the Taiwan issue, possibly including military assistance in potential U.S.-China conflicts.
Even if not combat-ready, North Korea’s naval developments signal to China and Russia its potential for joint operations.
Yang Wook of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies noted that North Korea’s unveiling of nuclear subs and destroyers aims to show China and Russia it can conduct joint naval operations. The recent summit’s military exchange agreement could lead to technology transfers and joint exercises.
However, experts believe immediate trilateral exercises in the East Sea are unlikely, given U.S.-China dynamics and North Korea’s internal situation.
Shin Jong Woo of Korea Defense and Security Forum (KODEF) stated that with recent U.S.-China talks avoiding Taiwan issues, China has little reason to provoke the U.S. through North Korean exercises. Any military alignment would likely start with personnel exchanges.
Yang added that while China could theoretically conduct joint exercises via the East Sea, significant cooperation and time would be needed to reach that level.