BEIJING - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a cruise missile launch and other weapons tests of a warship, including naval artillery, automatic machine guns and electronic warfare systems, ordering it to be commissioned into service within two months, state-run media said Sunday.
The tests of the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon's combat systems were held Friday after Pyongyang commissioned another warship, the Choe Hyon, in late June as part of its efforts to boost naval combat capabilities.
Kim inspected the Kang Kon's target detection and information processing capabilities, as well as its combined firepower system. According to the official Korean Central News Agency, he confirmed the reliability of the combat power of the anti-warship, anti-submarine, and anti-aircraft weapon systems.
Kim has called for the annual building of two large warships under the five-year national defense development plan through 2030, including a 10,000-ton cruiser, and the construction of large and multi-functional naval bases that can accommodate those ships.
The Kang Kon, built in the northeastern city of Chongjin, was relaunched in 2025 after being partially capsized.
