North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently observed performance evaluation tests of the new destroyer Ganggeonho, including strategic cruise missile launches. He ordered the vessel to be commissioned into the navy within two months.
On July 5, North Korea’s state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported that tests of the Ganggeonho’s combat systems were conducted on July 3. These included launches of strategic cruise missiles, as well as trials of shipboard artillery, automatic cannons, and electronic warfare systems.
The tests were part of a broader evaluation process to assess and verify the combat readiness of various weapon systems installed on the ship.
The newspaper detailed that the tests examined Ganggeonho’s target detection and information processing capabilities, along with its integrated fire control system. Performance evaluation firing of shipboard artillery and automatic cannons was also conducted. The trials culminated in the launch of a strategic cruise missile from the vessel.
Prior to the tests, Kim received a briefing from the weapons system review group on the phased plan for evaluating the ship’s armament systems.
Kim stated that the combat effectiveness and reliability of Ganggeonho’s anti-ship, anti-submarine, anti-aircraft, and strategic attack weapon systems were being thoroughly verified.
The Ganggeonho is the second ship of the Choe Hyon class, a new 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer first unveiled by North Korea in April last year. Pyongyang is pursuing the construction of these destroyers as part of its efforts to develop a nuclear-armed navy and enhance its blue-water operational capabilities.
During its initial launch ceremony at Chongjin Shipyard in North Hamgyong Province last May, the Ganggeonho suffered a mishap. The stern sank prematurely while the bow remained on the launch platform, resulting in hull damage. Kim harshly criticized the incident, calling it an unacceptable major accident and a criminal act. He ordered repairs to be completed before the next plenary meeting of the Party Central Committee.
North Korea claimed to have repaired the Ganggeonho within about 20 days and held a re-launch ceremony at Najin Shipyard in June. At that time, Kim announced plans to deploy the vessel to the navy after testing its armament systems.
The recent tests are seen as a crucial step in verifying Ganggeonho’s actual combat systems and various weapon capabilities, paving the way for its imminent naval deployment.
Kim asserted that recent trends in North Korea’s weapons development demonstrate the potential for advancing their naval combat systems. He claimed this progress offers significant opportunities to transform the military’s strategic readiness posture.
The North Korean leader also outlined phased tasks for developing and deploying various maritime and underwater combat systems in military operational areas, in line with the regime’s strategic defense plans.
Kim emphasized the need to vigorously pursue efforts to maintain and expand reliable war deterrence and combat capabilities. He stated that it will demonstrate the political will and determination to possess absolute strength through clearer actions.
Additionally, Kim expressed intentions to implement national measures to strengthen the navy. He referenced a decision made at the 2nd Plenary Meeting of the 9th Central Committee to construct naval fleet bases as centers for command, culture, and combat power, and to expand shipyard capabilities across the country.
Kim instructed research institutions for ships and weapon systems to achieve results aligned with the goal of building a formidable military. He ordered the completion of Ganggeonho’s testing procedures and its commissioning into the navy within two months.
The newspaper reported that Kim also convened an important meeting on the same day to discuss the development of North Korea’s shipbuilding industry.