North Korea unveils advanced missile destroyer, aiming at maritime power

• North Korea revealed the new missile destroyer Choe Hyon.
• The ship aims to enhance air defence and submarine warfare capabilities.
• Kim Jong Un announced further development of the naval fleet.

The new missile destroyer, named Choe Hyon, is intended to bolster North Korea’s naval capabilities. The launch ceremony, at the port of Nampho, was attended by Kim Jong Un and his daughter. The ship, with a displacement of 4,900 long tons, was constructed exclusively using North Korean technology in a record time of about 400 days.

Equipped with advanced air defence systems and capabilities for combating submarines and surface ships, the destroyer can also be armed with strategic cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles. Kim Jong Un highlighted the ship's role in strengthening the country's ability to "accurately defend maritime sovereignty" and described it as "an important step towards maritime power." He also announced plans to construct additional ships of this class and to 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 stated that North Korea would take appropriate countermeasures in response to these actions.

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

It appears the ship carries dozens of VLS cells capable of launching various types of missiles, including cruise missiles, stated Ju Yong Won, a former military reporter.

North Korea is striving to construct platforms capable of conducting nuclear attacks from the sea.