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North Korea Demonstrates Missile Saturation Capability Through New Destroyer Choe Hyon.
On April 28 and 29, 2025, North Korea conducted a series of missile test launches from its newly commissioned, heavily armed destroyer Choe Hyon, in the presence of leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae. These tests marked the vessel’s first operational use and confirmed its role as a significant enhancement to the country’s naval capabilities. According to state media KCNA, the trials included the launch of supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, electromagnetic jamming projectiles, and a test firing of the main 127mm naval gun.
The launch confirmed the entry into service of the Choe Hyon, North Korea’s first blue-water-capable destroyer, officially revealed on 25 April 2025 (Picture source: KCNA)
The launch confirmed the entry into service of the Choe Hyon, North Korea’s first blue-water-capable destroyer, officially revealed on April 25 during a commissioning ceremony in Nampo, attended by senior military figures, including Admiral Kim Myong-sik. Measuring 142 meters in length and displacing around 5,000 tons, it is the largest surface combatant ever built by North Korea. Named after Choe Hyon (1907–1980), a general and former Minister of Defense closely associated with Kim Il Sung, the vessel was constructed at a new hall in the Nampo shipyard, with various onboard weapons displayed on the adjacent dock.
The vessel is organized around a dense vertical launch system, with 74 missile cells split between 44 forward and 30 aft. Imagery indicates 32 compact cells in the bow for anti-aircraft missiles of undetermined range, 12 cells likely dedicated to cruise or anti-ship missiles, and additional aft launchers for Hwasal-2 cruise missiles, a yet-unidentified supersonic land-attack missile, and Hwasong-11 ballistic missiles. All launchers use cold-launch technology with side-ejection features in case of engine failure.
Lateral launchers likely host Kumsong-3 anti-ship missiles, a North Korean derivative of the Russian Kh-35, which were also displayed during the commissioning. Also exhibited were a Pantsir-M turret system with associated 57E6M missiles, two cruise missiles (one identified as Hwasal-2), and a Hwasong-11 ballistic missile. The main gun, a domestically produced 127mm model mounted forward of the missile cells, visually resembles some Western designs. It features manual operation, an optical sighting hatch, and external ventilation, but does not appear to derive from Russian systems.
Close-in defense is provided by two AK-630 30mm automatic cannons on each side and a Pantsir-M module aft, equipped with quad missile launchers and additional 30mm guns. The ship also features decoy launchers and four quad-mount Bulsae-4 anti-tank guided missile systems, adding to its layered defensive layout.
For anti-submarine warfare, the destroyer includes two dual torpedo tubes integrated into the superstructure and a bow sonar system, though no towed sonar is visible. Equipment seen during the display included a system resembling the Soviet RPK family (NATO designation SS-N-16), capable of delivering either lightweight torpedoes or nuclear depth charges over distances up to 100 km.
The trials included the launch of supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, electromagnetic jamming projectiles, and a test firing of the main 127mm naval gun (Picture source: KCNA)
The vessel’s primary detection system is a 360-degree phased array radar installed above the bridge. Two mechanically aimed fire-control radars, similar in appearance to the Russian 5P-10E, are mounted on the bridge roof and are likely responsible for gun targeting. The main mast houses an MR-36 series surface and air surveillance radar, two navigation radars, and IFF systems. Additional antennas and systems distributed across the superstructure are believed to support electronic warfare functions. Missile guidance remains unclear, though possibilities include integration with the main radar or active seeker missiles.
Propulsion appears to rely on conventional diesel engines, with two bow thrusters providing improved maneuverability in port. The ship features a helicopter landing platform but lacks a hangar, limiting rotary-wing operations. Two compact roller doors on the superstructure may serve for drone maintenance or storage, possibly intended for reconnaissance or target designation.
A flag for the Choe Hyon was formally presented to Vice Admiral Pak Kwan Sop, commander of the Eastern Fleet, indicating the ship’s assignment to this force, which is responsible for the maritime area facing Japan. A second unit of the class is reportedly under construction at Cheongjin on the country’s east coast. According to experts, the destroyer could carry up to 80 missiles in total, granting it a level of saturation capability previously absent from North Korea’s largely coastal navy.
While South Korea maintains a clear technological lead with its fleet of twelve destroyers, the Choe Hyon introduces a new qualitative element into the regional balance. It reflects a broader trend in East Asia toward the development of larger and more capable surface combatants, as seen in China and Japan. The expanding military-technical cooperation between North Korea and Russia—linked to Pyongyang’s supply of munitions and reported troop deployments in Ukraine—may accelerate the evolution of North Korea’s naval programs. The Choe Hyon signals a strategic shift toward open-ocean naval capabilities, integrating conventional strike, electronic warfare, and potentially nuclear delivery systems.