Kim Jong Un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, observed tests of key weapon systems on the new 5,000-ton destroyer 'Ganggeonho,' which had previously run aground during its launch ceremony.
The Korean Central News Agency reported on July 5 that on July 3, tests were conducted on the destroyer's combat system performance, including the launch of strategic cruise missiles and the firing of onboard artillery and automatic cannons, as part of an evaluation plan.
The agency explained that the tests were aimed at assessing the combat applicability of the various weapon systems installed on the ship.
During the tests, the destroyer's target detection and information processing capabilities, as well as its integrated fire control systems, were evaluated, followed by the firing of artillery and the launch of strategic cruise missiles.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that they detected the cruise missiles launched from the 'Ganggeonho' into the East Sea on July 3, and that detailed specifications are currently under precise analysis by South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities.
Observing the tests, Kim expressed confidence in the potential for developing North Korea's naval combat systems, stating, "Recent trends in our weapon system development assure us of the potential for advancing our naval combat capabilities, which offers significant possibilities for enhancing our military's strategic readiness."
He recalled the decisions made during the 9th Central Committee's 2nd Plenary Meeting regarding the construction of a navy-centered fleet base and the expansion of shipyard capabilities, emphasizing the need for national measures to strengthen the navy, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding maritime sovereignty and deterrence.
After encouraging officials from the ship and weapon system research institutions, Kim ordered the navy to complete the testing process for the 'Ganggeonho' and prepare for its commissioning within two months. He also convened an important meeting related to the development of shipbuilding technology.
Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, noted that there is a high likelihood of a commissioning ceremony being held in early September, coinciding with North Korea's founding anniversary on September 9, and suggested that the deployment of the destroyer to the East Sea fleet is likely based on the circumstances surrounding its launch and testing.
The Korean Central News Agency reported on July 5 that on July 3, tests were conducted on the destroyer's combat system performance, including the launch of strategic cruise missiles and the firing of onboard artillery and automatic cannons, as part of an evaluation plan.
The agency explained that the tests were aimed at assessing the combat applicability of the various weapon systems installed on the ship.
During the tests, the destroyer's target detection and information processing capabilities, as well as its integrated fire control systems, were evaluated, followed by the firing of artillery and the launch of strategic cruise missiles.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that they detected the cruise missiles launched from the 'Ganggeonho' into the East Sea on July 3, and that detailed specifications are currently under precise analysis by South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities.
Observing the tests, Kim expressed confidence in the potential for developing North Korea's naval combat systems, stating, "Recent trends in our weapon system development assure us of the potential for advancing our naval combat capabilities, which offers significant possibilities for enhancing our military's strategic readiness."
He recalled the decisions made during the 9th Central Committee's 2nd Plenary Meeting regarding the construction of a navy-centered fleet base and the expansion of shipyard capabilities, emphasizing the need for national measures to strengthen the navy, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding maritime sovereignty and deterrence.
After encouraging officials from the ship and weapon system research institutions, Kim ordered the navy to complete the testing process for the 'Ganggeonho' and prepare for its commissioning within two months. He also convened an important meeting related to the development of shipbuilding technology.
Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, noted that there is a high likelihood of a commissioning ceremony being held in early September, coinciding with North Korea's founding anniversary on September 9, and suggested that the deployment of the destroyer to the East Sea fleet is likely based on the circumstances surrounding its launch and testing.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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