A new missile launch by North Korea coincided with the start of joint military drills by the United States and South Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the test of strategic cruise missiles fired from a naval destroyer. State media reported that the launch aimed to strengthen the country’s nuclear war deterrent.
Images released by the Korean Central News Agency showed Kim reviewing the launch through a video system. His daughter, Kim Ju Ae, also appeared in photos released after the test.
The missiles were launched from the destroyer Choe Hyon, a 5,000-ton multipurpose warship introduced last year. According to state media, the missiles traveled above the Yellow Sea before hitting designated targets.
The reported flight time ranged from about 10,116 to 10,138 seconds. Officials said the test helped verify the reliability of the country’s strategic weapons control system.
Kim emphasized the need to maintain what state media described as a powerful and reliable nuclear deterrent. North Korean reports also stated that the test confirmed the effectiveness of the destroyer’s integrated combat system. Officials further discussed strengthening naval capabilities and improving weapons systems installed on future warships.
The Choe Hyon forms part of North Korea’s effort to expand its naval strike capacity. The country introduced the destroyer in April last year and said it can carry supersonic strategic cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles.
North Korea also launched another destroyer of the same class, named Kang Kon, in June 2025. Kim later ordered the construction of a third vessel before the Workers’ Party anniversary in October.
The missile launch occurred as South Korea and the United States began the Freedom Shield exercise on Monday. The annual drill will run for eleven days and includes command-post simulations and field training.
Washington and Seoul describe the exercise as defensive in nature. North Korea has long criticized the drills and considers them preparation for invasion.
