DPRK Navy Destroyer Conducts Strategic Cruise Missile Tests

The Navy of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) carried out a fresh round of missile test-firings from its destroyer Choe Hyon, as Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the drills alongside senior military officials, according to official statements released on Sunday.

The test, conducted on April 12, involved the launch of two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship cruise missiles as part of an operational efficiency assessment of the vessel’s integrated weapons system.

According to the statement, the exercise was aimed at verifying the destroyer’s missile launch control systems and ensuring crew readiness in executing live-fire operations. It also sought to evaluate the accuracy and resistance to electronic interference of upgraded guidance systems.

The missiles were launched over the West Sea of Korea, also known as the Yellow Sea, and struck their designated targets with “ultra-precision” accuracy, confirming the effectiveness of the ship’s combat systems.

Why are the tests significant?

Images released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirm that the unidentified strategic missile is a Vertical Launch System (VLS)-compatible cruise missile, marking a significant technological leap in the DPRK’s naval capabilities.

VLS acts as a force multiplier, fundamentally transforming how DPRK naval assets operate. The system enables 360-degree engagement, unlike older launchers that must be oriented toward a target. VLS-compatible cruise missiles are launched vertically before adjusting their trajectory toward the objective. They also allow Korean People’s Navy (KPN) destroyers to conduct rapid successive launches, increasing their ability to overwhelm enemy defenses.

Historically, the DPRK’s navy functioned as a brown-water force, meaning its strategic capabilities, primarily anti-ship missiles, were launched from coastal batteries. The successful April 12 test aligns with a broader DPRK effort to transition toward blue-water capabilities, enabling power projection within and beyond its territorial waters. The DPRK is also working to deploy an average of two Choe Hyon-class destroyers per year and currently operates two vessels of this class.

This test verified the integrated weapons command system, indicating that the DPRK has developed the complex software required to coordinate sensors, radar, and multiple missile launches simultaneously. This brings its naval technology closer to that of the United States, South Korea, and Japan. While it still lags in overall numbers, the Choe Hyon-class demonstrates the ability to produce sophisticated, modern surface combatants despite heavy sanctions.

Naval modernization and strategic posture

During the same visit, Kim reviewed a report detailing the planned weapons configurations for two additional destroyers currently under construction. He expressed satisfaction with qualitative improvements in the country’s strategic military posture, citing recent developments in the defense sector.

Kim reiterated that strengthening a “powerful and reliable nuclear war deterrent” remains a central priority, emphasizing the need to further enhance both strategic and tactical strike capabilities while advancing rapid-response readiness. Kim also outlined key tasks aimed at improving the operational readiness and sophistication of the country’s armed forces, particularly in maintaining a prompt and effective response posture in the face of evolving military challenges.