North Korea has conducted a series of missile tests in recent months, including launches on April 7-8 and March 14. In a significant development, the North Korean navy launched two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles from the Choe Hyon-class destroyer on April 12, 2026, in the Yellow Sea.
The Choe Hyon, a 5,000-ton class destroyer, was successfully launched in June 2025 and is recognized as the lead ship of North Korea’s new-generation multi-mission destroyers. Kim Jong Un oversaw the missile launch alongside other senior officials, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the country’s nuclear war deterrent.
During the recent missile tests, the strategic cruise missiles flew for approximately 2 hours and 11 minutes, while the anti-warship missiles were airborne for about 32 minutes. Kim Jong Un stated, “The preparedness of our army’s strategic action has been strengthened in a qualitative way with various achievements recently made in the field of defense science.” He further called for a steady and unlimited bolstering of the powerful and reliable nuclear war deterrent.
The missile tests aimed to assess strike accuracy and the performance of an improved navigation system. Observers noted that the latest test-firing was specifically aimed at checking the launching control line of the warship’s integrated weapon command system.
North Korea had previously conducted similar missile tests in March 2026, indicating a continued focus on enhancing its military capabilities. Kim was briefed on the weapons systems plan for destroyers Nos. 3 and 4, which are currently under construction, suggesting that North Korea is committed to expanding its naval strength.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full implications of these tests, but the developments signal a clear intent from North Korea to advance its military technology and capabilities.