North Korea’s New Destroyer Sets Sail for the First Time, Tests Missile Systems

On March 3 and 4, in the presence of Kim Jong Un, the North Korean Navy conducted tests to assess the operational capabilities of its new 5,000-ton destroyer, Choe Hyon (51). The North Korea’s largest and by far its most advanced surface warship, sailed under its own power for the first time since April 25, 2025. During its earlier trial, several weapon launches had been carried out, although the ship had been towed rather than operating independently. According to North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong Un inspected the destroyer to observe the crew’s combat and political training and to oversee the shakedown process intended to evaluate the vessel’s operational performance. Accompanying him were Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) officials, senior military officials and officials from the warship-building sector. My story for Naval News, here.

North Korea’s New Destroyer Reemerges with Major Modifications

North Korea showcased its newest and most advanced warship, the 142-meter missile destroyer Choe Hyon, during the opening ceremony of the annual “Defense Development 2025” exhibition, held for the third consecutive year, on October 5, 2025 in Pyongyang to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea. The event was an opportunity for North Korea to present adjustments and refinements made to the destroyer over six months of post-launch work since her official commissioning in April 25, 2025. The display precedes the destroyer’s planned redeployment to the east coast early next year. My story for Naval News, here.

North Korea Unveils Advanced Frigate Design Likely Equipped with Guided Missiles

Photos released by North Korean state media, KCTV, reveal a new frigate that may be equipped with a Vertical Launching System (VLS) for cruise missiles and/or guided surface-to-air missiles (SAM). The vessel appears to have double the displacement of previous classes, showcasing significant enhancements in size and capability. In the summer of 2023, North Korea unveiled a cruise missile-armed corvette, marking a significant development in its naval capabilities. Now, just days before the start of 2025, the country has revealed a new frigate design with more than double the displacement of the +1,500-ton Amnok-class corvette and boasting advanced features. Footage aired by state media Korean Central Television (KCTV) on Sunday (watch the video starting at 03:11.40) included four photographs showing the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un inspecting an unidentified large warship under construction at the Nampo Shipyard for the Korean People’s Army Navy. My story for Naval News, here.

North Korea reveals a new cruise missile-armed corvette

An Amnok-class corvette of the North Korean Navy made an interesting appearance during a demonstration to the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un, Pyongyang’s state media reported Monday without disclosing the date of his visit. Kim Jong Un inspected the Guards 2nd Surface Ship Flotilla of the East Sea Fleet of the Navy of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) honored with the title of O Jung Hup-led 7th Regiment. A demonstration of the capabilities of a new warship which we see for the first time in such detail took place, the Patrol Ship (corvette) No. 661 of the Amnok-class. My story for Naval News, here.