Kim Jong Un personally oversees strategic weapons tests aboard new destroyer

AYEYARWADDY TIMES July 5 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw weapons tests aboard the new 5,000-ton destroyer "Kankun," including cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, state media reported. The tests conducted on Friday involved strategic cruise missiles, the ship's main and secondary guns, as well as electronic warfare and target acquisition systems, according to KCNA. After observing the tests from the coast, Kim Jong Un ordered the destroyer to be prepared for official operational duty within the next two months. North Korea commissioned its first 5,000-ton destroyer, the "Chunhong," in late June, and at the ceremony, Kim Jong Un declared that the nuclear armament of the navy was proceeding as planned. After prioritizing missile development for many years, Kim Jong Un is now focusing more on enhancing naval capabilities, including the construction of nuclear-powered submarines. At the Workers' Party Congress in February, Kim Jong Un also called for the production of submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The "Chunhong" was first unveiled in April 2025, marking a new step to enhance the military's pre-emptive strike capabilities. KCNA stated that the warship is equipped with air defense capabilities, anti-submarine weapons, and nuclear-capable cruise missiles. The "Kankun," tested this time, was unveiled in May 2025, but Kim Jong Un was reportedly furious after an accident occurred during its launch at the Chonjin port. Kim Jong Un has demanded the construction of two new 5,000-ton warships within the next five years and the development of an even larger 10,000-ton destroyer. Reference – TRT World