North Korea Tests Cruise, Anti-Ship Missiles From Naval Destroyer

Last Updated:April 14, 2026, 05:53 IST

North Korea test fires cruise and anti ship missiles from destroyer Choe Hyon, Kim Jong Un oversees drills and vows to boost nuclear deterrent and strike readiness.

North Korea conducted another test-fire of strategic cruise missiles and anti-warship missiles on Sunday as part of operational efficiency trials of its destroyer Choe Hyon, state media KCNA said on Tuesday.

Country’s leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test alongside senior defence officials and naval commanders, the news agency reported.

Two strategic cruise missiles each flew for around 7,900 seconds — or over two hours — according to KCNA, while the anti-warship missiles flew for nearly 2,000 seconds (33 minutes).

The missiles flew “along the flight orbits set in the sky above the West Sea of Korea and struck the targets with ultra-precision hit accuracy", KCNA said, using its preferred name for the Yellow Sea.

Two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-warship missiles were fired to check the warship’s integrated weapons command system, train crews in missile-launch procedures and verify the accuracy and anti-jamming performance of upgraded navigation systems, KCNA said.

The tests were carried out from the Choe Hyon. The Choe Hyon is one of two major destroyers in North Korea’s fleet, part of a broader effort by Pyongyang to strengthen its naval capabilities. The country has carried out multiple missile tests in recent months as it continues to expand its military strength.

A photo released by KCNA shows a missile in its initial flight stage after being launched from the warship, with an orange flame trailing from its tail.

Another image shows Kim watching the test-fire from a distance, flanked by naval officials.

KCNA said that Kim was briefed the same day on weapons system plans for two additional destroyers under construction.

Kim said strengthening what he called the country’s nuclear war deterrent remained a top priority, and called for improving strategic and tactical strike capabilities and rapid-response readiness, the report said.

Pyongyang first test-fired L1N3R71KM weapons on the 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class warship in April 2025, and Kim personally oversaw L1N3ZS1DF a missile test from the ship last March.

(With inputs from agencies)

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