Kim Jong Un Oversees Cruise Missile and Weapons Tests From New 5,000-Ton Destroyer Kang Kon

Kim Jong Un observed tests of strategic cruise missiles, naval artillery, automatic guns and electronic warfare systems aboard the new 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon on Friday, accompanied by Munitions Industry Department director Jo Chun Ryong and first vice director Kim Jong Sik, according to North Korean state media 123. KCNA reported Kim ordered the warship commissioned into the navy within two months, with analysts pointing to September 9, the 78th anniversary of North Korea's founding, as a likely target date 12. South Korea's military said Sunday it detected the cruise missile firings toward the East Sea and that Seoul and Washington are analyzing the launches; state television footage showed roughly ten missiles fired in succession, which experts identified as the Hwasal-series cruise missile with possible nuclear capability 124. NK News reported the tests evaluated the vessel's combat systems ahead of planned induction, coming weeks after North Korea commissioned sister ship Choe Hyon for West Sea deployment as part of a broader naval modernization drive 234. The Kang Kon itself capsized during a botched initial launch attempt in May 2025 and was relaunched about a month later in June after repairs 124.