North Korea Test Fires Full Spectrum of Weaponry From Heavily Armed New Destroyer

On April 28 and 29 the Korean People’s Army Navy test launched multiple missiles from the newly launched warshipChoi Hyon, marking the vessel’s first operational use and confirming many of its capabilities. With an estimated displacement of 5000 tons and length of 142 meters, the Choi Hyon is considered a frigate by most international standards, but is termed a destroyer in North Korea. According to the state run Korean Central News Agency, the trials included the launches of supersonic cruise missiles, nuclear-armed cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and electromagnetic jamming projectiles, with the ship’s 127mm gun also fired. All of the ship’s 74 vertical launch cells use cold-launch technology with side-ejection features for use in emergencies. The warship’s primary land attack capability is provided by Hwasong-11 ballistic missiles, Hwasal-2 cruise missiles, and a yet unconfirmed other cruise missile class. Kumsong-3 anti-ship cruise missiles are reportedly relied on for anti-shipping roles, although unconfirmed reports indicate that a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile class is also expected to be fielded. The Choi Hyon also carries two dual torpedo tubes integrated into the superstructure and a bow sonar system.

The Choi Hyon is the largest and by far the most heavily armed surface combatant ever fielded by the Korean People’s Army Navy, which had previously placed a low emphasis on its surface warfare capabilities after the end of the Cold War. The ship is expected to be the first of at least two of its class, and will allow North Korea to project power far into the Pacific and potential threaten U.S. and allied targets with missile strikes from new directions in the event of war. The ship’s launch coincides with growing speculation that the country will also procure long range fighter aircraft from Russia, possibly the Su-27 or the fifth generation Su-57, which are capable of operating up to 2000 kilometres from airbases. It also coincides with ongoing work in the country on producing a nuclear powered submarine class, which is expected to further revolutionise maritime power projection capabilities and the country’s strategic deterrent. The viability of the Choi Hyon has been heavily facilitated by major advances in North Korean missile and sensor technologies, with transformative advances in the capabilities of the country’s ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles having been realised since the late 2010s.