North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees weapons tests on the new 5,000-tonne destroyer Kang Kon, according to North Korean state media. The tests take place on Friday and include cruise missile launches and systems covering naval artillery and automatic machine guns, as well as electronic warfare equipment. State media also describe checks related to target-detection and information-processing capabilities and integrated firepower systems. Kim orders the ship’s trial process to be completed and directs that the destroyer be commissioned into the Navy within about two months, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reports.
The Kang Kon had previously tipped over during its initial launch ceremony in June last year, but it is later repaired. The latest round of tests follows the reported commissioning of another similar 5,000-tonne destroyer, Choe Hyon, less than two weeks earlier. Across the reports, KCNA frames the activity as part of efforts to validate the ability to apply multiple weapon systems on board in combat. Kim also calls for speeding up work to strengthen North Korea’s war deterrence and capability.
