Published On 5/7/2026
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Last update: 18:22 (Mecca time)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the testing of weapons for the 5,000-ton naval destroyer “Kang Geun,” calling on his country’s officials to make more efforts to enhance capabilities in the field of military deterrence and combat capabilities.
It is noteworthy that this warship is the same one that partially capsized in the waters last year during its inauguration, before it was later repaired.
The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim also supervised the test-launch of a strategic cruise missile, and the evaluation of anti-ship, anti-submarine, and air defense systems aboard the naval destroyer.
The agency reported that the tests were conducted on Friday within the framework of evaluating the combat systems of the newly built warship, as the tests included examining the capabilities of target detection, information processing, integrated firepower systems, naval guns, automatic cannons, and electronic warfare equipment.
The agency published pictures of Leader Kim surrounded by officials as he watched the tests from a coastal observation point, indicating that he viewed the ship’s weapons evaluation program, then watched the launch of a strategic cruise missile and other tests.
The North Korean leader ordered officials to complete the tests of the Kang Kun ship and put the destroyer into naval service within two months, stressing his country’s determination to possess what he described as “absolute power.”
Late last month, North Korea put the 5,000-ton destroyer Choi Hyun into service, and announced plans to deploy the destroyer Kang Geun, a ship of the same class, as part of a broader campaign to modernize the naval fleet.
Kim called for the construction of two warships of this class every year for the next five years, and also outlined plans to build larger warships weighing 10,000 tons.
The Kang Kun ship was repaired last year after it partially capsized during its launch ceremony.
The South Korean Navy operates more than 10 ships with a capacity of more than 5,000 tons, compared to only two ships in North Korea.
At the end of last June, South Korea announced a plan to acquire tens of thousands of drones to confront North Korean threats.
