North Korea's 5,000-Ton Kang Kon Destroyer Fires Strategic Missiles After 2025 Launch Failure
Updated
Updated · Business Insider · Jul 6
North Korea's 5,000-Ton Kang Kon Destroyer Fires Strategic Missiles After 2025 Launch Failure
3 articles · Updated · Business Insider · Jul 6
Summary
Friday's weapons trials saw the 5,000-ton Kang Kon fire its main gun, autocannon and vertically launched strategic cruise missiles, with Kim Jong Un in attendance, state media said.
KCNA said the destroyer also tested electronic warfare, information processing and target-detection systems, signaling the repaired warship is nearing operational service.
Kim ordered officials to prepare the Kang Kon for active duty within two months after the vessel was re-launched last June following a botched May 2025 launch that crushed part of its hull.
The Kang Kon is North Korea's second Choe Hyon-class destroyer and part of Kim's push to build a nuclear-capable navy alongside land-based missiles, with two more 5,000-ton ships and a 10,000-ton warship planned.