Kim Jong-un watches cruise missile test from new destroyer with daughter

North Korea cruise missile test was once again overseen by leader Kim Jong-un, who watched the launch of ship-to-ground cruise missiles from a newly built destroyer alongside his daughter Ju-ae, according to state media.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on March 11 that the test launch of a strategic cruise missile from the new 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon took place the previous day. Kim reportedly monitored the launch remotely via video.

Photographs released by state media show Kim seated beside his daughter Ju-ae in what appears to be a command room, watching the missile launch footage. Ri Il-hwan and Kim Jae-ryong, secretaries of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Political Bureau Standing Committee, were also present and applauded behind them.

Kim had previously inspected the Choe Hyon on March 3–4, where he observed a similar ship-to-ground cruise missile test and emphasized the need to strengthen the navy’s nuclear capabilities. During that earlier visit, he attended in person without Ju-ae.

Kim Jong-un Calls for Stronger Nuclear Deterrence

According to KCNA, the missile launched during the latest North Korea cruise missile test flew along a trajectory over the West Sea for approximately 10,116 to 10,138 seconds before striking designated targets on individual islands.

The Rodong Sinmun, the ruling Workers’ Party newspaper, also reported that another strategic cruise missile test was conducted from the destroyer on March 10.

Kim reiterated the importance of maintaining and expanding what he described as a credible nuclear deterrent.

“Maintaining and expanding powerful and reliable nuclear war deterrence is a very important strategic task,” Kim said, according to KCNA. He added that components of the country’s war deterrence system are being incorporated into increasingly sophisticated operational frameworks, with North Korea’s nuclear forces advancing into diversified deployment stages.

Kim also claimed recent progress in the practical deployment and operationalization of strategic and tactical strike systems.

“Confidence based on verified capabilities allows us to seize the initiative in military activities for national defense and plays an important role in further strengthening our potential,” he said.

Plans to Strengthen Naval Combat Capabilities

During the inspection, Kim reportedly issued detailed instructions regarding the destroyer’s weapons systems.

He suggested that automatic naval guns should be installed on high-speed maneuvering vessels under 3,000 tons. For larger destroyers in the 5,000-ton and 8,000-ton classes, Kim recommended replacing such guns with additional supersonic weapons systems to enhance ship-to-ship and strategic strike capabilities.

Kim also ordered several tasks aimed at strengthening North Korea’s naval forces, including:

• Completing operational capability evaluations for ship maneuvering systems and anti-air, anti-submarine, and mine weapon systems before delivering the vessel to the navy

• Accelerating construction of another destroyer targeting completion by the Workers’ Party founding anniversary on Oct. 10

• Expanding and reinforcing naval base infrastructure

The North Korea cruise missile test underscores Pyongyang’s continued push to modernize its naval strike capabilities while integrating nuclear deterrence into maritime operations.

BY MOOYOUNG LEE   [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]