North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the test firing of a strategic cruise missile and evaluations of anti-ship, anti-submarine and air defence systems aboard the naval destroyer Kang Kon, state media KCNA reported on Sunday.
– The tests were conducted on Friday as part of an assessment of the newly built warship’s combat systems. They included checks of target-detection and information-processing capabilities, integrated firepower systems, naval guns, automatic cannons and electronic warfare equipment, KCNA said.
– Kim was briefed on the vessel’s weapons evaluation programme before watching the strategic cruise missile launch and other tests, according to the report.
– KCNA said Kim hailed recent advances in weapons development and called for further efforts to expand North Korea’s war deterrence and combat capabilities.
– He ordered officials to complete trials of the Kang Kon and commission the destroyer into naval service within two months, KCNA said.
– Late last month, North Korea commissioned the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon and announced plans to deploy the Kang Kon, a vessel of the same class, as part of a broader naval modernisation drive.
– Kim has called for the construction of two warships of the class every year over the next five years and also outlined plans for larger 10,000-ton warships.
– The Kang Kon was repaired last year after partially capsizing during a launch ceremony.
– North Korea has increasingly highlighted naval development as it seeks to bolster what Kim has described as the weakest branch of its armed forces.