Has North Korea Tested Weapon Systems on Its New Destroyer?

Seoul, April 30 (NationPress) North Korea has successfully conducted its inaugural test-firing of critical weaponry on the nation’s latest destroyer, with leader Kim Jong-un urging for an expedited enhancement of naval capabilities to facilitate nuclear strikes, as reported by state media on Wednesday.

Under the direct oversight of Kim, North Korea executed a "combat application test" of weapon systems mounted on its new 5,000-ton destroyer, named the Choe Hyon, on Monday and Tuesday, according to the Yonhap news agency citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

On Friday, the North unveiled its multipurpose warship, which is equipped with advanced weaponry that is claimed to significantly bolster its naval operational capacity. The destroyer features supersonic strategic cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, and other striking capabilities.

During the tests, North Korea launched supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, and 127-millimeter ship-based automatic guns on Monday, the KCNA disclosed. The subsequent day saw the testing of ship-to-ship tactical guided weapons, the warship's automatic guns, smoke, and electronic jamming systems.

The North's leader emphasized the need to "perfect" the weapons systems on the destroyer for integrated operations swiftly.

Kim remarked, "Establishing a proactive and offensive defensive system based on robust attack capabilities is crucial," as quoted by the KCNA.

He indicated that "the time has come to make a responsible choice to accelerate the nuclear armament of the navy" to safeguard the state and maritime sovereignty from current and future threats, setting forth unspecified objectives to achieve this aim.

North Korea is intensifying efforts to enhance its naval power in a bid to create a platform capable of launching nuclear attacks from the sea.

During last week’s launching ceremony, Kim called for the construction of more warships of the "Choe Hyon class" and larger cruisers, as well as various types of escort ships next year, alongside future plans for developing "nuclear-powered submarines".

In March, North Korea revealed what seems to be a nuclear-powered submarine under construction, with Kim cautioning that his country’s maritime defense capabilities would be "fully" projected "in any necessary waters without limitation."

The supersonic cruise missile launched from the new destroyer bears similarities to the Russian Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles, while the phased array radar installation appears akin to that used in Russian vessels, according to Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the People Power Party.

Yu noted, "It is highly likely that North Korea received advanced military technology from Russia in exchange for its troop deployment."

In a series of confirmations, both North Korea and Russia recently acknowledged the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia as part of a mutual defense agreement established by their leaders last June.

In October, South Korea's National Intelligence Service reported that North Korea had resolved to send over 10,000 troops to Russia. The military estimates that North Korea dispatched an additional 3,000 soldiers to the Kursk region in January and February.