North Korea’s Kim Oversees Latest Naval Weapons Tests

By
North Korea's Kim Oversees Latest Naval Weapons Tests
The performance tests of the weapons systems of the destroyer Kang Kon in North Korea. AFP
Share:

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)

Eagle Intel Report authors
EIR

Eagle Intelligence Reports is a trusted global platform specializing in delivering insightful political and strategic analysis as well as exclusive intelligence to decision-makers, researchers, and audiences engrossed in modern international affairs.

SIGN UP FOR FREE TO EAGLE INTELLIGENCE REPORTS

Exclusive Insights & Reports

Get access to in-depth analysis, exclusive intelligence, and expert reports designed to keep you informed and ahead of the curve on the most important global developments.

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

What to read next...
By
By
By
By
By
By
By
By

SIGN UP FOR FREE TO EAGLE INTELLIGENCE REPORTS

Exclusive Insights & Reports

Get access to in-depth analysis, exclusive intelligence, and expert reports designed to keep you informed and ahead of the curve on the most important global developments.

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

Eagle Intelligence Reports
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.