North Korea tests cruise and anti-warship missiles from naval destroyer
A missile is fired during a test-fire of strategic cruise missiles and anti-warship missiles from the destroyer Choe Hyon, North Korea, April 12, 2026, in this photo released by North’s Korean Central News Agency.
SEOUL: North Korea conducted another test of strategic cruise missiles and anti-warship missiles as part of operational efficiency trials of its destroyer Choe Hyon, state media KCNA said on Tuesday.
Leader Kim Jong Un observed the test alongside senior defence officials and naval commanders, the report said.
Two strategic cruise missilesand three anti-warship missiles were fired to check the warship’s integrated weapons command system, train crews in missile-launch procedures and verify the accuracy and anti-jamming performance of upgraded navigation systems, KCNA said.
The cruise missiles flew for about 7,869 to 7,920 seconds and the anti-warship missiles for about 1,960 to 1,973 seconds over waters off the country’s western coast, striking their targets with what the report described as ultra-precision accuracy.
KCNA said Kim was briefed the same day on weapons system plans for two additional destroyers under construction, indicating preparations for the third and fourth vessels of Choe Hyon class.
Kim said strengthening what he called the country’s nuclear war deterrent remained a top priority, and called for improving tactical strike capabilities, the report said.
Pyongyang first test-fired weapons on the 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class warship in April 2025, and in June Kim announced plans to build two additional destroyers. – News Agencies
