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North Korea Tests Cruise and Anti-Ship Missiles from Naval Destroyer
🇸🇬 Singapore /Conflict & Security

North Korea Tests Cruise and Anti-Ship Missiles from Naval Destroyer

From CNA · (2d ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • North Korea conducted tests of strategic cruise and anti-ship missiles from its destroyer Choe Hyon on April 12, 2026.
  • Leader Kim Jong Un observed the tests, emphasizing the continued priority of strengthening the nation's nuclear war deterrent and improving strike capabilities.
  • The tests involved checking the warship's weapons system, training crews, and verifying missile accuracy, with plans for additional destroyers underway.

North Korea has once again demonstrated its military prowess with the successful testing of strategic cruise and anti-ship missiles from its advanced destroyer, the Choe Hyon. The drills, conducted on April 12, 2026, were personally overseen by Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, underscoring the paramount importance the nation places on bolstering its defense capabilities.

strengthening the nation's nuclear war deterrent remained a top priority

— Kim Jong UnKim Jong Un's statement on North Korea's defense strategy during the missile tests.

During the observation, Kim Jong Un reiterated North Korea's unwavering commitment to strengthening its nuclear war deterrent, a cornerstone of the nation's security strategy. He stressed the need to enhance strategic and tactical strike capabilities and maintain a high level of rapid-response readiness. The tests themselves were designed to rigorously evaluate the warship's integrated weapons command system, refine missile-launch procedures for the crews, and confirm the precision and anti-jamming performance of upgraded navigation systems.

improving strategic and tactical strike capabilities and rapid-response readiness

— Kim Jong UnKim Jong Un's directives for enhancing military readiness.

State media KCNA reported that two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles were launched, achieving "ultra-precision accuracy" over waters off the country's western coast. The cruise missiles flew for over two hours, while the anti-ship missiles completed their trajectory in approximately 33 minutes. Furthermore, Kim Jong Un was briefed on the weapons system plans for two additional destroyers currently under construction, signaling a significant expansion of the navy's surface fleet.

checking the warship's integrated weapons command system, train crews in missile-launch procedures and verify the accuracy and anti-jamming performance of upgraded navigation systems

— KCNADescription of the objectives of the missile tests.

This development aligns with North Korea's stated shipbuilding goals, including plans announced in June 2025 to build two additional destroyers in 2026 and commission similar or more advanced vessels annually. Experts suggest that the mention of a fourth destroyer marks the first official acknowledgment of its construction, indicating an acceleration in the formation of a destroyer flotilla. This strategic buildup is seen as an effort to exploit global strategic distractions and solidify irreversible advances in its nuclear and delivery capabilities.

striking their targets with what the report described as ultra-precision accuracy

— KCNAReport on the accuracy of the tested missiles.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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