In a significant move to bolster its maritime capabilities, North Korea has unveiled its largest and most advanced warship to date—a new 5,000-tonne multipurpose destroyer. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally attended the launch ceremony held at the Nampho military shipyard, according to state media reports released on April 25, 2025.

Named the Choe Hyon-class destroyer, the vessel honors anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter Choe Hyon and represents a major milestone in the country’s ongoing naval modernization campaign. The ship was reportedly built in just over 400 days using entirely domestic materials and technology, a testament to Pyongyang’s emphasis on self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

The destroyer features modern design and armament systems, including what experts believe to be vertical launch systems (VLS). These launchers are likely capable of deploying a range of weapons such as anti-ship missiles, land-attack cruise missiles, air defense missiles, and possibly submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The vessel measures over 100 meters in length and has a beam width of around 15 meters, making it the largest known surface combatant in North Korea’s navy.

During the commissioning ceremony, Kim Jong Un described the new destroyer as a critical asset that enhances the country’s pre-emptive attack capabilities. He reiterated North Korea’s view that such capabilities are essential for maintaining military deterrence, especially in light of what he called provocative actions by the United States, including the deployment of strategic bombers like the B-1B in the region.

This launch comes amid escalating tensions in East Asia, where North Korea’s growing missile and naval programs are being closely monitored by South Korea and the United States. In response to these developments, South Korea recently established a new fleet command that oversees several advanced warships, including Aegis-equipped destroyers, designed to counter threats from the North.

While analysts recognize the Choe Hyon-class destroyer as a notable upgrade in North Korea’s naval power, they also caution that the country’s overall naval force still falls short of the advanced maritime capabilities of its regional adversaries. Nevertheless, this launch is seen as a clear signal that Pyongyang intends to continue investing in its military and expanding its strategic reach at sea.