Choe Hyon
Coverage of Choe Hyon in the Nexus archive.
- A year after a disastrous maiden launch, North Korea's new destroyer is up and firing its guns
North Korea's 5,000-ton destroyer, Kang Kon, successfully tested its weapons systems a year after a botched launch that damaged its hull. The ship, the second in its class, is now seaworthy and undergoing active duty preparation under Kim Jong Un's oversight, with plans to build additional destroyers and a 10,000-ton warship.
- North Korean leader Kim observes weapons tests from new naval destroyer
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed weapons tests aboard the repaired Kang Kon destroyer, including a nuclear-capable cruise missile. The event marks North Korea's continued naval expansion, following the commissioning of the Choe Hyon destroyer and plans to build more warships, including a 10,000-ton destroyer.
- North Korean leader Kim observes weapons tests from new naval destroyer
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised tests of a nuclear-capable cruise missile and other weapons aboard the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon, which was damaged in a failed launch last year. The tests, observed from shore, aim to strengthen North Korea's nuclear-armed navy, with Kim ordering the vessel for active duty within two months.
- North Korea jump-starts naval buildup by commissioning its largest-ever warship
North Korea commissioned its largest warship, the 5,000-ton Choe Hyon, which Kim Jong Un declared marks a new chapter in military history. Analysts suggest the ship could enhance naval capabilities with anti-ship and land-attack missile features, and future larger vessels are planned.
- North Korea’s Kim claims progress on nuclear-armed navy as new warship is placed into service
North Korea has commissioned a 5,000-ton destroyer named Choe Hyon, which leader Kim Jong Un claims demonstrates progress in arming the navy with nuclear capabilities. The warship, equipped with anti-aircraft, anti-ship weapons, and nuclear-capable missiles, is part of North Korea's efforts to expand its maritime military reach and preemptive strike capabilities. Kim emphasized the vessel's role in defending the western coast and advancing naval nuclear armament.
- North Korea is equipping its navy with nuclear weapons, Kim Jong Un says
North Korea is equipping its navy with nuclear weapons, as stated by Kim Jong Un. The commissioning ceremony of the destroyer Choe Hyon took place in Nampo, North Korea on June 23, 2026.
- Kim says North Korea to arm navy with nuclear weapons, build bigger warships
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced plans to equip the navy with nuclear weapons and build 10,000-ton warships, as stated during the commissioning of the Choe Hyon in Nampo.
- Satellite images suggest North Korea is upgrading ports for new, larger destroyers
North Korea is expanding shipyards in Nampo and Chongjin to build new destroyers as part of a five-year naval modernization plan. Satellite imagery shows infrastructure upgrades to support larger vessels, with two 5,000-ton destroyers already built and two more under construction.
- North Korea to build 10,000-ton destroyer, state media says before Xi visit
North Korea plans to build a 10,000-ton destroyer and develop secret underwater weapons, according to state media, as leader Kim Jong Un orders the deployment of the Kang Kon and Choe Hyon warships. The announcement comes ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit, with North Korea emphasizing military expansion.
- Kim Jong Un oversees cruise missile launches from prized new North Korean warship
North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversaw missile launches from the new 5,000-ton-class destroyer Choe Hyon, testing cruise and anti-ship missiles. The tests followed previous issues with a similar warship, the Kang Kon, and highlight North Korea's ongoing military advancements.