North Korea Deploys First 5,000-Ton-Class Choe Hyun Ho Destroyer [Yang Nakgyu's Defence Club]

Plan to Build Three Choe Hyun Ho-Class Destroyers This Year

North Korea has deployed the first unit of its new 5,000-ton-class destroyer, the Choe Hyun-ho, for operational service. North Korea plans to build three destroyers of the Choe Hyun-ho class by the end of this year and has also announced intentions to construct an 8,000-ton-class vessel, followed by a 10,000-ton-class "strategic guided missile cruiser."

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the destroyer Choe Hyun-ho last month and observed the comprehensive maneuverability evaluation test being conducted prior to its commissioning. [Chosun Central TV footage] Yonhap News Agency

On the 24th, the Korean Central News Agency reported that a commissioning ceremony for the Choe Hyun-ho was held at Nampo Port the previous day, attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. During the ceremony, Kim stated, "The era when the navy existed merely as a force for coastal defense is now firmly in the past," adding, "The navy has grown into a branch equipped with strategic capabilities, and the nuclear armament of the navy is steadily following its intended course," thereby reiterating the importance of nuclear power.

Regarding the enhancement of naval power, Kim described it as "a highly significant strategic process that further clarifies our country's powerful and reliable nuclear war deterrent, enables the multifaceted and effective operational use of our nuclear forces, and secures a firm initiative in maritime defense and military activities for war deterrence." Kim also revealed plans to soon deploy the Kang Gun-ho—recently undergoing performance tests after running aground during last year’s launching ceremony—and added, "We intend to successively launch 10,000-ton-class strategic vessels into the sea as well."

In March, while inspecting the 5,000-ton-class destroyer Choe Hyun-ho, Kim ordered that the third destroyer of the Choe Hyun-ho class be completed by October 10, the anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party. At that time, he also mentioned the 8,000-ton-class destroyer for the first time. This time, Kim emphasized the construction project for the 10,000-ton-class "strategic guided missile cruiser," a plan decided by the Central Military Commission of the Party on April 4. This indicates a further increase in displacement. The displacement surpasses that of the latest South Korean Aegis destroyer, the King Jeongjo class (8,200 tons). North Korea’s effort to reinforce surface vessels alongside its nuclear force is attributed to its lack of technological capability to build strategic nuclear-powered submarines capable of launching nuclear weapons. It is interpreted as an intention to enhance missile launch platforms at sea, similar to the United States' "arsenal ship" concept.

After concluding his speech, Kim boarded the Choe Hyun-ho to encourage the crew. During the commissioning ceremony, Party Secretary Cho Chun-ryong reported to Kim that the Choe Hyun-ho had completed assessments on various weapon systems, combat applicability, and overall operational performance, as well as successful completion of test firing, integrated operational trials, comprehensive maneuverability evaluation voyages, and military certification.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, following the commissioning ceremony, the Choe Hyun-ho, under orders from the Party Central Military Commission, has been assigned to the West Sea Fleet of the Korean People's Army Navy and will undertake the honorable mission of defending the western maritime territory of the republic and contributing to war deterrence.

Shin Jong-woo, Secretary General of the Korea Defense and Security Forum (KODEF), stated, "Two 5,000-ton-class Choe Hyun-ho destroyers are being constructed per year, and following the second Kang Gun-ho unit, the commissioning of the 10,000-ton-class strategic vessel is also being expedited." He added, "The 5,000-ton-class Choe Hyun-ho destroyer has already been modified to equip its rear vertical launch system with cruise missiles, and there is a high possibility that the 10,000-ton-class strategic vessel will be equipped with ship-to-ground ballistic missiles."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.