Tuesday, April 14, 2026-North Korea has conducted new missile tests from one of its naval destroyers, launching both cruise and anti-ship missiles in a display of expanding maritime firepower.
The launches were overseen by leader Kim Jong Un and carried out from the 5,000-ton-class warship Choe Hyon, according to state media reports.
The missiles included strategic cruise missiles and anti-ship weapons fired from the destroyer while it operated in waters off North Korea’s west coast. The cruise missiles reportedly flew for over two hours, while the anti-ship missiles were in flight for more than 30 minutes before striking pre-set targets with high accuracy.
Analysts say the exercise was designed to test the ship’s integrated weapons systems and crew readiness rather than simulate a combat engagement.
Kim Jong Un used the occasion to emphasize strengthening North Korea’s nuclear-capable naval forces and accelerating the development of advanced strike systems.
The tests come amid rising regional tensions and continued missile activity on the Korean Peninsula, underscoring Pyongyang’s push to modernize its navy and expand its long-range deterrence capabilities.
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