DPRK unveils warship, eyes tactical nuclear expansion
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The test comes as the DPRK reinforces its nuclear program as the cornerstone of national defense, amid escalating US military deployments and growing regional tensions.
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In this photo provided by the DPRK government, DPRK leader Kim Jong Un, front right, and his daughter visit to observe the test-firings, conducted on April 28 and April 29, 2025, of missiles from a newly launched destroyer " Choe Hyon " at an undisclosed place in the DPRK. (AP)
DPRK leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the accelerated nuclear arming of the country’s navy after overseeing the test-firing of a new warship weapons system, state media reported on Wednesday. The directive marks a significant step in the DPRK’s ambitions to expand its naval-based nuclear weapons capabilities.
Kim supervised the first stage of a two-day weapons test aboard the newly unveiled Choe Hyon destroyer, a 5,000-ton vessel analysts say is likely to be equipped with tactical nuclear missiles. The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim instructed military officials to “accelerate the nuclear armament of the navy,” signaling a focus on strengthening sea-based strike potential.
The test comes as the DPRK continues to position its nuclear program as central to national defense. KCNA said the destroyer’s systems include ship-to-ship guided weapons, various ship-based automatic guns, and electronic jamming equipment.
Kim oversees warship weapons tests and urges acceleration
Tuesday’s trial reportedly involved tactical guided ship-to-ship weapons, anti-aircraft systems, and electronic jamming capabilities. On Monday, the DPRK tested a “supersonic cruise missile, strategic cruise missile, anti-aircraft missile, and 127 mm ship-based automatic gun,” according to KCNA.
Kim lauded Choe Hyon’s integration of modern strike systems, describing it as “effectively combined” with “the most powerful strike means including supersonic cruise missile, strategic cruise missile and tactical ballistic missile.”
South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense said it is monitoring the DPRK’s naval weapons development closely in coordination with the United States.
Pyongyang’s navy modernization
The Choe Hyon destroyer was officially launched on Saturday, with state media showing Kim attending the ceremony alongside his daughter Ju Ae, widely viewed as his likely successor. The warship, expected to enter full operation early next year, is a centerpiece of the DPRK’s broader push to modernize both surface and underwater naval forces.
In March, Kim pledged to radically enhance the country’s naval capabilities, including the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine. The DPRK has also revealed that it is developing underwater nuclear drones capable of generating “radioactive tsunamis”.
Washington, Seoul’s primary defense partner, has ramped up joint military exercises and increased the deployment of strategic assets in the region. Pyongyang, which describes itself as an “irreversible” nuclear weapons state, continues to condemn these drills as acts of provocation.
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