North Korea Tests Cruise Missile from New Warship

North Korea has successfully tested a range of weapons, including a cruise missile, from its new 5,000-ton destroyer, Kang Kon, under the direct supervision of leader Kim Jong Un.

According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the tests were carried out on Friday (July 3) and included a strategic cruise missile, naval artillery, automatic guns, and the destroyer’s electronic warfare systems. Kim also ordered that the warship be formally commissioned into the North Korean Navy within the next two months.

KCNA said the weapons trials were intended to evaluate the operational effectiveness of the destroyer’s integrated combat systems and onboard weaponry.

The Kang Kon was officially launched in June last year. However, its first launch attempt, about a month earlier, ended in an accident.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s military said it detected North Korea launching a cruise missile from the Kang Kon toward the East Sea on Friday.

Following the tests, Kim Jong Un called for greater efforts to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and enhance its overall combat readiness.