Seoul, April 14 (NationPress) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has supervised a test-launch of strategic cruise and anti-warship missiles from the destroyer Choe Hyon, emphasizing that enhancing the nation’s nuclear war deterrent is a task of paramount importance, as reported by state media on Tuesday.

The test involved the launch of two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-warship missiles from the naval destroyer on Sunday, part of an "operational efficiency test," according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

In March, North Korea executed similar strategic cruise missile tests from the 5,000-ton vessel on two occasions prior to its commissioning, also attended by Kim. The term "strategic" indicates that these weapons may possess nuclear capabilities.

During this recent test, Kim remarked, "The readiness of our army’s strategic operations has been enhanced qualitatively due to various recent advancements in defense science," as noted by KCNA.

He urged for a continuous and unwavering strengthening of the nation’s "powerful and reliable nuclear war deterrent," labeling it the country’s "most critical priority task."

Images released by state media depicted Kim observing the test from a pier alongside significant military officials.

The cruise missiles traveled for durations ranging from 7,869 to 7,920 seconds, while the anti-warship missiles flew for 1,960 to 1,973 seconds, following predetermined trajectories over the Yellow Sea and striking targets with "ultra-precise hit accuracy," as per KCNA.

This recent test-firing aimed to assess the launching control capabilities of the warship's integrated weapon command system and validate the "accuracy and effectiveness of the enhanced active anti-jamming navigation system," as stated.

Kim outlined a crucial objective to further fortify the country's strategic and tactical strike abilities, as well as to refine the "prompt response posture," although KCNA did not elaborate further.

He was also informed about plans regarding the weapon systems for destroyers No. 3 and No. 4, which are currently under construction.

South Korea's military reported that it detected the launch of multiple cruise missiles from the Yellow Sea near North Korea's western coastal city of Nampho on Sunday morning.

"South Korea and the United States are vigilantly monitoring North Korea's military activities as part of a robust combined defense strategy, maintaining the capability to respond decisively to any provocations," stated the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The South Korean unification ministry indicated that this latest missile test appears to be part of North Korea's strategy to implement a five-year defense plan revealed during a significant party congress in February.

"This seems to be a final evaluation of the weapon system prior to the Choe Hyon's delivery to the Navy," a ministry official communicated to reporters.

Shin Jong-woo, secretary-general of the Korea Defence and Security Forum (KODEF), suggested that North Korea may have chosen to disclose the launch amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Yonhap.

"This is the first instance where North Korea has revealed a test-launch of anti-ship missiles from the Choe Hyon," Shin noted, suggesting it could be a demonstration of military strength amid the ongoing conflict in Iran.

In April of the previous year, North Korea showcased the Choe Hyon destroyer as part of its initiative to modernize its naval capabilities.

Following the launch of another 5,000-ton destroyer, the Kang Kon, in June 2025, Kim has mandated the construction of a third destroyer of the same class by the upcoming anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea on October 10.