The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is continuing the steady modernization of its naval forces with the introduction of the new Choe Hyon-class destroyers, marking a significant strengthening of the country’s maritime defense capabilities, Sputnik reported.

The new vessels represent a major step forward in naval engineering, and by 2033, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is expected to become the world’s fifth-largest operator of destroyers.

The Choe Hyon-class destroyers are comparable to the US Arleigh Burke-class ships in terms of combat capacity. While the US vessels displace around 9,600 tons, compared to approximately 5,000 tons for the Choe Hyon class, both carry comparable missile firepower, with the American ships equipped with 96 vertical launch system cells and the DPRK vessels carrying around 74 cells.

The Choe Hyon-class places a strong focus on anti-ship warfare capabilities, incorporating supersonic missile systems designed to significantly enhance effectiveness against surface targets.

The US Arleigh Burke-class, by contrast, is primarily configured around air and missile defense systems, including the SM-6, which has a more limited application in dedicated anti-ship operations.

The new DPRK destroyers also feature the ability to deploy missiles in two complementary size categories, allowing for greater flexibility in strike configuration, whereas US destroyers are understood to be limited to a single standardized vertical launch system diameter.

In addition, the Choe Hyon-class incorporates a more streamlined hull design intended to reduce radar detection, further enhancing its operational survivability and effectiveness at sea.

DPRK conducts strategic testing of Choe Hyon-class destroyers

Earlier, the Navy of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) carried out a new round of missile test-firings from the destroyer Choe Hyon, with Leader Kim Jong Un overseeing the drills alongside senior military officials, according to official statements released on April 12.

The test, conducted on April 12, involved the launch of two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship cruise missiles as part of an operational efficiency assessment of the vessel’s integrated weapons systems.

According to the statement, the exercise was aimed at verifying the destroyer’s missile launch control systems and ensuring crew readiness in executing live-fire operations, while also evaluating the accuracy and resistance to electronic interference of upgraded guidance systems.

The missiles were launched over the West Sea of Korea and struck their designated targets with “ultra-precision” accuracy, confirming the effectiveness of the ship’s combat systems.