North Korean leader Kim Jong-un watched a demonstration of significant weaponry, such as missiles and ship-mounted artillery, aboard the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon. The Kang Geon-ho ran aground in front of Chairman Kim during its launch event last year.
The Korean Central News Agency stated on the 5th that, based on the combat system performance assessment plan for the destroyer Kang Kon, evaluations of key weapon systems—such as the test firing of a strategic cruise missile, naval artillery, automatic cannons, and electronic warfare equipment—were carried out on the 3rd. It further noted, “The test is part of a review process to assess and verify the operational effectiveness of various weapons installed on the ship.”
On that day, evaluations were carried out on the ship’s target identification and data processing functions, along with its combined combat system, followed by the use of naval artillery and the launching of a strategic cruise missile. The missile belongs to the “arrow” series of land-attack cruise missiles, and it is believed that North Korea intends to install it on new destroyers like the Choe Hyeon-ho and Kang Geon-ho as a way to pose a maritime nuclear threat.
As per images published by North Korean media, the missile is colored blue, suggesting the potential use of camouflage paint.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff commented on this launch, “The military identified a cruise missile fired from the North Korean ship Kang Geon-ho towards the East Sea on July 3, with specific details currently being thoroughly analyzed by South Korea-U.S. intelligence agencies.”
Following the test from the shoreline, Chairman Kim remarked, “Current patterns in our weapon system advancements enable us to be assured about the promise of our distinctive naval combat system development, offering substantial opportunities in enhancing the readiness of our military’s strategic operations.”
He stated, “We need to keep strongly advancing initiatives to sustain and consistently enhance our dependable military deterrence and combat readiness,” and cautioned, “We will show our political resolve and commitment to having total power through even more clear-cut measures.”
Chairman Kim highlighted, referencing the discussions from the Second Plenary Session of the Ninth Central Committee of the Workers’ Party, which outlined plans to expand the development of naval-focused base infrastructure and enhance the capacities of shipyards at every level, stating, “We will implement national initiatives to bolster our navy, a vital component in protecting the country’s maritime sovereignty and maintaining military deterrence.”
Following encouragement for officials from research institutions involved in warships and weaponry, Chairman Kim directed the navy to finish the testing of the Kang Kon and put it into service within two months. He also held a significant meeting concerning the development of the shipbuilding industry.
If the Kang Kon is ordered within the next two months as directed by Chairman Kim, it will be ready for combat missions roughly one year following the incident where it was grounded.
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