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North Korea Unveils Advanced 5,000-Ton Destroyer with Nuclear Capabilities

Kim Jong Un presents the Choe Hyon-class warship as part of a naval expansion strategy, citing defense against -South Korea military activities.

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This photo, released by North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency, shows Pyongyang's new navy destroyer unveiled at a launching ceremony held at a shipyard in the North's western port city of Nampho on April 25, 2025. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • North Korea launched the Choe Hyon-class destroyer on April 25, 2025, marking its largest warship to date, equipped with advanced weapons systems for multi-domain operations.
  • The warship can host nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles and is expected to be handed over to the navy for operational use in early 2026.
  • Kim Jong Un emphasized the destroyer as a key step toward bolstering maritime sovereignty and pledged to develop more advanced naval vessels, including nuclear-powered submarines.
  • The launch comes as North Korea denounces U.S.-South Korea joint military drills, framing its naval buildup as a response to perceived threats to regional security.
  • Experts note the ship's technological advancements, such as vertical launch systems and Aegis radar, but South Korea’s military highlights the time needed for North Korea to achieve full operational readiness.