JAKARTA - North Korea is accelerating the strengthening of its naval fleet. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reviewed the launch of a cruise missile from the new Kang Kon destroyer and ordered the ship to be ready for operation in two months.
North Korea's state media reported the test on Sunday, July 5, Kyodo News reported. In addition to cruise missiles, the tests also included naval artillery, automatic machine guns, and electronic warfare systems.
The test of the Kang Kon destroyer combat system was held on Friday. The 5,000-ton warship is part of Pyongyang's efforts to strengthen its naval combat capabilities.
This move comes shortly after North Korea operated another warship, the Choe Hyon, in late June. The two ships are part of Kim's push to build a larger naval fleet.
Kim checked Kang Kon's ability to detect targets, process information, and combine firepower. According to the Korean Central News Agency or KCNA, Kim ensured that the ship's weapons system was reliable for confronting warships, submarines, and aircraft.
Cruise missiles are missiles that can be directed towards a specific target and generally fly low. In naval operations, these weapons can be used to attack targets at sea or on land from a distance.
Electronic warfare systems are used to disrupt, deceive, or protect enemy communications and radar. In modern warfare, the ability to disrupt enemy radar and communications has become an important part of military operations.
Kim also pushed for the construction of two large warships every year in a five-year national defense development plan to 2030. The plan includes a 10,000-ton cruiser.
He also called for the construction of a large and multifunctional naval base. The base is intended to accommodate large-sized warships that Pyongyang is developing.
Kang Kon was built in Chongjin, a city in the northeast of North Korea. The ship was launched again in 2025 after it had previously overturned in part.
Kang Kon is part of Pyongyang's efforts to strengthen its naval combat capabilities by the end of the decade.
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