North Korea Tests Cruise Missile and Other Weapons from New Destroyer Kang Kon

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw tests of a strategic cruise missile and other weapons from the naval destroyer Kang Kon on Friday. The 5,000-ton vessel was launched in June 2025 after an earlier attempt caused it to tip over. Weapons tested included naval artillery, automatic machine guns and electronic warfare systems.

Kim stated that the tests confirmed the ability to apply various weapon systems on board the destroyer in combat. He ordered the Kang Kon commissioned into the navy within two months and called for further efforts to expand North Korea's war deterrent and war-fighting capability.

Kim affirmed that North Korea would demonstrate through more obvious actions its political will and determination to have an absolute power.

Kim also convened an important consultative meeting for the development of the warship building industry. Last month North Korea commissioned its other 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, which it said will perform the mission of defending the West Sea and deterring war.