North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw weapons tests this week of the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon, including cruise missile launches and “electronic warfare means,” state media reported Sunday.
The naval vessel was notably the one that tipped over last year during its launch ceremony, but later repaired.
The tests took place on Friday, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, less than two weeks after another 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon entered military service.
During that commissioning ceremony, Kim vowed to equip his navy with nuclear weapons and develop new 10,000-tonne warships.
After the weapons test on Friday, Kim “gave an instruction to complete the trial process of the destroyer in a responsible manner and commission it for the Navy within two months,” KCNA said.
A photo released by KCNA shows Kim, wearing a yellow hat, watching a weapons test from a coastal observation point, flanked by officials.
Another photo shows Kang Kon firing a missile at sea, with a plume of smoke rising from the launch.
While reiterating the need to strengthen the country‘s “war deterrent”, Kim also pledged to demonstrate North Korea’s determination to possess “absolute power,” KCNA said.
The Kang Kon suffered a setback in May last year when it partially capsized after tipping into the water during its launch, damaging the vessel in full view of Kim.
Kim blamed the accident on “absolute carelessness” and “irresponsibility,” ordering that those responsible be held accountable. (AFP)
