'North Korea's Aegis Destroyer' Choi Hyonho Conducts First Test Firing... Kim Jong Un Orders Acceleration of Naval Nuclear Armament

Test Firing Just Three Days After Launch
"Weapon Systems to Be Integrated and Operated in a Short Period of Time"

North Korea's new 5,000-ton multi-purpose destroyer, Choi Hyonho, conducted its first armed test firing just three days after its launch. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the event and ordered an acceleration of the "nuclear armament of the navy."

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 30, the North Korean Missile General Bureau, the Academy of National Defense Science, and the Detection and Electronic Warfare General Bureau began testing the performance and combat applicability of the weapon systems installed on the Choi Hyonho on April 28 and 29. Launched on April 26, the Choi Hyonho is the largest destroyer ever built by North Korea. It is equipped with phased array radar and vertical launch systems (VLS), earning it the nickname "North Korea's Aegis destroyer."

'North Korea's Aegis Destroyer' Choi Hyonho Conducts First Test Firing... Kim Jong Un Orders Acceleration of Naval Nuclear Armament

Yonhap News

According to the report, on April 28, tests were conducted for supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles, and anti-air (surface-to-air) missiles, as well as a test firing of a 127mm naval automatic gun. On April 29, tests were carried out for anti-ship tactical guided weapons, various naval automatic cannons, smoke launchers, and electronic jamming guns.

While observing the test firing, Kim Jong Un instructed that the weapon systems be completed so they can be integrated and operated in a short period of time. He further emphasized that it is time to make a responsible decision to accelerate the nuclear armament of the navy in order to defend the nation and safeguard maritime sovereignty against both current and potential future threats.

Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un observed the first test launch together with officials from the Missile General Bureau, the Academy of National Defense Science, and the Nampo Shipyard. He was accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae, Missile General Bureau Director Jang Changha, Central Military Commission member Kim Jeongsik, and Central Committee Secretary Jo Chunryong.