Tracks North Korea's naval modernization from the 2025 launch of its first 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class destroyer, Choe Hyon, through the launch accident and repair of the second ship, Kang Kon, weapons trials and the operational deployment of both ships to its western and eastern fleets. Kim Jong Un has announced plans for additional large surface combatants, modern naval bases and expanded maritime and undersea capabilities as part of an effort to transform the Korean People's Navy beyond coastal defense.
6 events · 6 sources · Updated 38 days ago
A new 5,000-ton destroyer lost balance and partially ran aground during its launch at the Chongjin Shipyard. Kim Jong Un, who witnessed the accident, called it serious and ordered those responsible to be held accountable.
North Korea repaired and relaunched the destroyer 22 days after the launch accident and named the second Choe Hyon-class ship Kang Kon.
Choe Hyon entered service with the western fleet of the Korean People's Navy after weapons, integrated-operation and maneuvering trials. Kim Jong Un presented plans for continued construction of Choe Hyon-class or larger surface ships, including a 10,000-ton vessel, and modern naval bases.
North Korea tested a strategic cruise missile, naval guns, automatic cannon and electronic-warfare equipment during combat-system evaluations of Kang Kon. Kim Jong Un ordered the trials completed and the ship commissioned within two months.
More than a year after its launch accident, the second Choe Hyon-class destroyer Kang Kon was commissioned at Wonsan Port and assigned to the eastern fleet of the Korean People's Navy. North Korea now operates two 5,000-ton destroyers, Choe Hyon in the west and Kang Kon in the east.