North Korea conducts live-fire test on new destroyer, signals aggressive maritime strategy

Just three days after launching North Korea’s first 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon-ho, Kim Jong-un oversaw a live-fire weapons test and ordered the establishment of an “offensive defense system” at sea. The move, closely following Kim’s comments on a newly coined “intermediate maritime zone”—believed to rival South Korea’s Northern Limit Line (NLL)—is raising regional tensions. Analysts warn it could serve as justification for preemptive strikes under the guise of defense.

According to Rodong Sinmun, North Korea’s Missile General Bureau, the Academy of Defense Sciences, and the General Bureau of Detection and Electronic Warfare conducted the tests between April 28 and 29. On the first day, the destroyer fired hypersonic missiles, strategic and anti-air cruise missiles, and 127mm naval auto-cannons. The following day, tests included anti-ship tactical guided weapons, automatic deck guns, and electronic countermeasure systems.

This was the first round of testing to assess the destroyer’s full weapons suite for performance and combat readiness.

Kim Jong-un Observes Live Fire with Daughter

Accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju-ae, Kim dismissed the idea that conventional destroyers tasked with repelling intruders could effectively defend North Korean waters. He stressed that North Korea must “establish a proactive and offensive defense system based on powerful attack capabilities.”

This posture suggests a shift beyond coastal defense, signaling Pyongyang’s willingness to carry out preemptive attacks if it detects hostile intent. The Choe Hyon-ho is expected to be deployed with North Korea’s East Sea Fleet, placing it in close proximity to areas where South Korea, the U.S., and Japan often conduct joint naval exercises.

Lee Sang-kyu, director of nuclear security studies at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA), noted that North Korea appears to be applying the concept of preemptive response under the guise of “offensive defense.” However, he added that effective execution would require robust real-time surveillance capabilities, such as reconnaissance satellites, which North Korea currently lacks.

Defense experts emphasized that Kim’s vision would necessitate advanced C4ISR capabilities—command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance—allowing for accurate detection, identification, and strikes.

Based on the footage released, analysts noted the presence of offensive systems but saw no evidence of the supporting sensor and control infrastructure, likening it to possessing a “fist” without “eyes” or “ears.”

Concerns Over Destroyer’s Readiness and Propulsion

South Korea’s military assessed the tests as early-stage firings focused on booster separation and system functions rather than integrated combat capability. Questions have also emerged regarding the ship’s readiness.

Citing satellite imagery from Planet Labs, U.S.-based outlet 38 North reported that two tugboats were used to move the destroyer from Nampo Shipyard on April 25, suggesting it may lack its own propulsion system. This raises speculation that the vessel was launched before being fully operational.

Kim reportedly called for the “responsible choice” of speeding up the navy’s nuclear armament and issued corresponding orders.

Despite questions over its true combat capability, the new destroyer appears modeled after modern warships, equipped with anti-ship, surface-to-ground, and air defense missiles, long-range strike weapons, and close-in weapon systems (CIWS) for short-range defense.

Hong Min, senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, analyzed that the hypersonic missile shown resembled Russia’s Zircon, hinting at either technical cooperation or direct imports.

Possible Russian Influence and Cold Launch Capability

Rep. Yoo Yong-won of South Korea’s National Assembly defense committee said the missiles tested included versions of the “Hwasal” cruise missile family, possibly launched using vertical launch systems (VLS) at the ship’s bow and stern.

Among the tested missiles was the Bulhwasal-3-31, believed to be a nuclear-capable strategic cruise missile with a range of 1,500 to 2,000 kilometers, potentially capable of reaching Japan or Guam.

The 127mm deck gun, highlighted in state media, reportedly impressed senior North Korean officials. Capable of firing 16 to 40 rounds per minute with a range of up to 36 kilometers, the system can engage naval, ground, and aerial targets using an automated loading and firing mechanism.

BY LEE GEUN-PYEONG, LEE YUJEONG   [uuu@joongang.co.kr]