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Kim Jong-un Inspects 5,000-Ton Destroyer, Orders Naval Buildup to Deter ‘Enemy Provocations’

Pyongyang signals a drive for a larger sea-based strike force with a target for another 5,000-ton destroyer by October 2026.

This photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on Oct. 6, 2025, shows the North's leader Kim Jong-un (R) visiting the 5,000-ton destroyer, named the Choe Hyon, the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during a meeting of the Supreme People's Assembly at the Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this picture released September 22, 2025 by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS
This photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on Oct. 6, 2025, shows the North's leader Kim Jong-un (C) visiting the 5,000-ton destroyer, named the Choe Hyon, the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
This photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on Oct. 6, 2025, shows the 5,000-ton destroyer, named the Choe Hyon, with its leader Kim Jong-un visiting the warship the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • State media said Kim toured the Choe Hyon on Sunday with senior party and government officials during a military hardware exhibition.
  • Kim called for the navy's “tremendous ability” to be exercised to deter, counter and punish perceived provocations, according to KCNA.
  • North Korea unveiled the Choe Hyon in April and has claimed it carries supersonic strategic cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles.
  • A second ship of the class, the Kang Kon, was relaunched in June after it tipped over and was damaged during a May launch attempt.
  • KCNA reported that the Workers’ Party will push accelerated growth of the naval combat force, reinforcing plans to add another destroyer by October 2026.