North Korea unveils advanced missile destroyer at ceremony

• North Korea unveiled the new missile destroyer Choe Hyon.
• The ship is expected to enhance air defence and anti-submarine capabilities.
• Kim Jong Un announced further development of the naval fleet.

North Korea introduced a new missile destroyer named Choe Hyon, which aims to strengthen the country's naval defence capabilities. The launching ceremony took place at Nampho port and was attended by Kim Jong Un and his daughter. The ship, with a displacement of 5,000 tonnes (approximately 11 million pounds), was constructed in a record time of about 400 days, using exclusively North Korean technologies.

The new destroyer is equipped with advanced air defence systems, and has capabilities to combat submarines and surface vessels. It can be armed with strategic cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles. Kim Jong Un emphasized that this vessel will reinforce the ability to "accurately defend maritime sovereignty" and is "an important step towards maritime power." He also announced plans to build additional ships of this class and develop nuclear-powered submarines.

During the ceremony, Kim Jong Un accused the United States of conducting aggressive exercises simulating nuclear attacks on North Korea as part of joint operations with South Korea. He announced that his country will take appropriate countermeasures in response to these actions.

Experts quoted by the South Korean Yonhap agency highlighted the ship's equipment with vertical launch systems, Aegis radar, and an advanced artillery system.

In particular, the battleship seems to carry dozens of VLS cells capable of launching various types of missiles, including cruise missiles — stated member of the National Assembly Ju Jong Won, a former military reporter.

North Korea aims to create platforms capable of conducting nuclear attacks from the sea.