North Korean leader Kim observes weapons tests from new naval destroyer
Kim ordered the destroyer’s trials finished and set a two-month deadline for commissioning after tests of missiles, guns and electronic warfare systems.
- On Friday, July 3, 2026, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un observed weapons tests aboard the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon, including a strategic cruise missile launch, naval artillery, and electronic warfare systems.
- The vessel suffered a setback after partially capsizing during its launch last year but was later repaired, representing a key milestone in North Korea's broader naval modernization following the Choe Hyon's commissioning last month.
- After observing the tests, Kim ordered officials to complete the destroyer's trials and commission the ship for the Navy within two months to "apply various kinds of weapon systems on board the destroyer in combat."
- Kim affirmed that these actions demonstrate the nation's "political will and determination to have absolute power," while plans include constructing two 5,000-ton warships annually and developing larger 10,000-ton vessels over the next five years.
- The South Korean Navy currently operates more than 10 ships over 5,000 tons, maintaining a technological advantage as tensions persist following the 1950-53 conflict, which ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty.
43 Articles
43 Articles
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected weapons system tests and the firing of strategic cruise missiles from the 5,000-ton destroyer "Kangon," and ordered the tests to be completed quickly and the ship to be commissioned within two months.
Kim Jong-un Observes Weapons Test of Grounded Kang Geon-ho; Commissioning Within Two Months. North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un observed tests of major weapon systems, including missiles and naval guns, mounted on the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Geon-ho. The Kang Geon-ho ran aground right before Chairman Kim's eyes during its launching ceremony last year. The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 5th that the destroyer...
BT
The warship "Kang Kon" tipped over during a ceremony last year, but has managed to stay afloat in a new attempt.
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