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North Korea Secretly Builds New Missile-Armed Destroyer, Capable of Launching Nuclear Strikes

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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North Korea Secretly Builds New Missile-Armed Destroyer, Capable of Launching Nuclear Strikes
North Korea’s new destroyer Choe Hyon at the launch ceremony in Nampo, April 25, 2025. (Source: KCNA)

North Korea has officially launched its first next-generation multi-purpose missile destroyer after completing construction in a record-setting 400 days, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 26.

The launch ceremony took place on April 25, 2025, at the Nampo shipyard, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attending the event. During the ceremony, Kim emphasized that the ship, named Choe Hyon after an anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter, would be transferred to the Korean People’s Navy and enter active service in early 2026.

The destroyer, classified as a 5,000-ton multi-purpose vessel, is equipped with an expanded range of missile weaponry. North Korean state media described it as featuring the “most powerful weapons” developed using domestic resources and technology.

Kim Jong Un attends the launch ceremony of the destroyer Choe Hyon with navy officers. (Source: KCNA)
Kim Jong Un attends the launch ceremony of the destroyer Choe Hyon with navy officers. (Source: KCNA)
Fireworks at the unveiling of the Choe Hyon destroyer in Nampo shipyard. (Source: KCNA)
Fireworks at the unveiling of the Choe Hyon destroyer in Nampo shipyard. (Source: KCNA)
Aerial view of the Choe Hyon destroyer during the launch event at Nampo. (Source: KCNA)
Aerial view of the Choe Hyon destroyer during the launch event at Nampo. (Source: KCNA)
Front view of the Choe Hyon destroyer featuring its 127mm main gun. (Source: KCNA)
Front view of the Choe Hyon destroyer featuring its 127mm main gun. (Source: KCNA)

According to KCNA, the ship incorporates various weapon systems, including vertical launch systems of two types — one larger set for strike missiles and a smaller set for air-defense missiles. A total of 74 launch cells are reportedly installed.

Initial imagery indicates the destroyer is armed with a 127mm automatic gun and a close-in weapon system resembling Soviet-era AK-230 and AK-360 systems. Additionally, the ship features a North Korean-designed air-defense system similar in appearance to Russia’s Pantsir-M, positioned at the rear of the vessel.

Military observers noted that while the ship is equipped with advanced systems, the overall capabilities may be limited. Building a fully operational destroyer with integrated weapons and electronic systems typically requires two to three years, even for countries with mature shipbuilding industries like China and Japan.

The Choe Hyon destroyer displayed with full naval honors at the ceremony. (Source: KCNA)
The Choe Hyon destroyer displayed with full naval honors at the ceremony. (Source: KCNA)
Plaque honoring Choe Hyon installed on the destroyer’s superstructure. (Source: KCNA)
Plaque honoring Choe Hyon installed on the destroyer’s superstructure. (Source: KCNA)
Side view of the newly launched Choe Hyon destroyer docked at Nampo. (Source: KCNA)
Side view of the newly launched Choe Hyon destroyer docked at Nampo. (Source: KCNA)
Kim Jong Un salutes navy officers during the Choe Hyon ship inspection. (Source: KCNA)
Kim Jong Un salutes navy officers during the Choe Hyon ship inspection. (Source: KCNA)

Other armaments reportedly include transport-launch containers for Hwasal-2 cruise missiles and four-launcher systems for a North Korean analog of the Spike ER/NLOS missile. The ship is also fitted with two twin 533mm torpedo launchers on each side, partially covered by radar-absorbing structures.

The vessel’s radar system includes four phased-array panels designed for airspace monitoring and missile guidance. Additional radar antennas at the bow and stern appear intended for air-defense missile guidance, likely associated with systems similar to the Russian Tor missile system. Electronic warfare equipment of an unspecified type is also mounted near the main radar arrays.

Vice Admiral Pak Kwang Sop, speaking at the ceremony, described the event as marking the beginning of a “new era of naval construction in the style of Great Kim Jong Un.”

Kim Jong Un places flowers beneath Choe Hyon’s commemorative plaque aboard the destroyer. (Source: KCNA)
Kim Jong Un places flowers beneath Choe Hyon’s commemorative plaque aboard the destroyer. (Source: KCNA)
Kim Jong Un inspects naval officers aboard the new destroyer Choe Hyon during the launch ceremony. (Source: KCNA)
Kim Jong Un inspects naval officers aboard the new destroyer Choe Hyon during the launch ceremony. (Source: KCNA)
Aerial view of the Choe Hyon destroyer displaying its main gun, radar systems, and vertical launch cells. (Source: KCNA)
Aerial view of the Choe Hyon destroyer displaying its main gun, radar systems, and vertical launch cells. (Source: KCNA)
The Choe Hyon destroyer during maneuvering operations after launch in Nampo. (Source: KCNA)
The Choe Hyon destroyer during maneuvering operations after launch in Nampo. (Source: KCNA)

In his speech, Kim Jong Un warned the United States against continuing what he called “provocations involving military force,” stating that North Korea would respond by strengthening its strategic deterrence capabilities.

The new destroyer, according to North Korean media, is intended for diverse operations, including air-defense, anti-ship missions, and potentially carrying ballistic and cruise missiles capable of delivering nuclear payloads.

Earlier, commercial satellite images revealed that North Korea had been constructing a 144-meter warship at the Nampo shipyard, featuring potential vertical launch systems, phased-array radars, and a helicopter pad.

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