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Kim Jong Un Tours New 5,000-Ton Destroyer, Orders Faster Naval Buildup

Outside assessments suggest sea trials for the Choe Hyon could begin soon.

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

  • Kim inspected the Choe Hyon on Sunday during a military hardware exhibition and urged the navy to deter, counter and punish enemy provocations, according to KCNA.
  • North Korean reports describe the destroyer as carrying supersonic strategic cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles.
  • SI Analytics said September satellite imagery showed engines being installed and predicted the ship could start sea trials as early as this month.
  • Analysts say the vessels’ operational status remains uncertain following earlier setbacks, including the May capsizing of sister ship Kang Kon before its June relaunch.
  • Pyongyang has set a target to complete another 5,000-ton destroyer by October 2026.