North Korea commissions second Choe Hyon-class guided-missile destroyer
The Korean People’s Navy commissioned its second 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class destroyer, Kang Kon, in Wonsan, featuring 88 vertical launch cells and modern radar systems.
North Korea’s navy commissioned its second Choe Hyon-class guided-missile destroyer, Kang Kon (hull number 52), on September 6, 2026, in the port city of Wonsan. The ceremony was attended by leader Kim Jong Un, his daughter, and senior military officials.
Kang Kon follows the class’s lead ship, Choe Hyon (51), which entered service on June 23, 2026, and two additional vessels are under construction. The 145-meter, 5,000-ton warship is the largest and most heavily armed vessel currently operated by the North Korean navy.
"We are currently implementing an important plan to strengthen naval forces," Kim said, adding that further details would be provided within eight months.
The destroyer carries a total of 88 vertical launch system (VLS) cells—64 aft and 24 forward—supporting anti-ship, anti-air and land-attack cruise missiles, some of which are reported to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Eight inclined launchers are located in the central superstructure, and eight short-range missiles are mounted for a close-in weapon system. The ship also mounts a 127 mm gun, two six-barrel 30 mm CIWS units amidships, and a Pantsir-M-type air-defence system aft of the funnel.
Modern electronic warfare equipment and four fixed-face phased-array radar panels are installed, reflecting a move toward a more capable blue-water navy. North Korean officials have indicated plans for larger guided-missile cruisers, suggesting an expansion beyond a purely coastal-defence posture.