North Korea test-fires weapons from new destroyer

A new multipurpose destroyer named Choe Hyon-ho is seen undergoing weapons performance and combat applicability tests on April 30 2025 in this photo released by the Norths state-run Korean Central News Agency the following day — Weapons are being test-fired from a new destroyer at an undisclosed location in Pyongyang, in this photo released by North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 30, 2025.

SEOUL, April 30 (AJP) - North Korea has conducted a test of its new 5,000-ton destroyer, state media reported on Wednesday.

According to the official state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected the tests of weapons from the destroyer, accompanied by senior military officials and his daughter Ju-ae on Monday and Tuesday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae inspect a new multipurpose destroyer in this photo released by the Norths state-run Korean Central News Agency on April 30 2025 — North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter Ju-ae inspect a new destroyer at an undisclosed location in Pyongyang , in this photo released by the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency on April 30, 2025.

The multipurpose destroyer, named after Choe Hyon, a comrade of nation founder Kim Il-sung during his day as a partisan fighter, is equipped with supersonic strategic cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, and other weaponry.

Kim hailed the largest warship ever built by the renegade country as the "most powerful weapon,” urging the navy to enhance naval operations while accelerating its nuclear armament

The test firings came after the unveiling of the destroyer last week, which has been deployed and warfare-ready, signaling a major step in Pyongyang's ambitions to develop nuclear-powered submarines.

Im Yoon-seo lyseo0330@ajupress.com

North Korea test-fires weapons from new destroyer

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